Donald H. Young, aged 85 years, of Nixa, passed peacefully in his sleep, and entered Glory, May 22, 2017, after a day surrounded by family members who were reminiscing a life well lived, telling funny stories and singing good ol' gospel hymns, celebrating the life of a good man.

Don was born in Flint, Michigan, on October 10, 1931, to Milo and Jesse (Arnold) Young and was raised on a farm in Dexter, Missouri, with his three brothers and two sisters. He met the love of his life, Annabelle Butler, in Pekin, Illinois, at the local skating rink, and danced their way into a beautiful 61-year marriage, beginning August 7, 1955.

Don lived a life of service. As a twenty-year veteran, he served in the Navy aboard the USS St. Paul during the Korean War, and served an additional sixteen years in the Air Force. His greatest joy, however, was serving his Lord as pastor to several Baptist churches from Alaska to Libya, Africa, while still in the military, and several in Missouri following graduation from Southwest Baptist (College) University in Bolivar, Missouri, in 1977.

Sweet, silly, fun and faithful, Don was loved by everyone who knew him. He was a good country preacher, and his people adored him! Don was a great husband, father, grandfather and friend. His family is so thankful for the life he's lived, and the example he was to all who knew him. Don loved his Lord, and his family is comforted knowing he is now in the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ!

Don loved to fish, especially with his eldest son. A very talented artist, Don excelled with oil paintings and beautiful woodcarvings. He especially enjoyed carving little "baskets of love" out of peach pits which he gave away to practically everyone he knew (and many he didn''t know!) Don's own heart was one big "basket of love" which he freely gave to everyone he met, because of the love of Christ in his own heart.

Don is survived by his loving wife Ann, children Sandra Sample and husband Dan, Don and wife Peggy, Cheryl Petete and husband Dwight, Gary; grandchildren Amber, Alisa, April, Landon, Maria, Michael, Brittney, and Halsey; as well as nine great-grandchildren; siblings Alma Geane Loafman and husband Mabrey, Glenn and wife Donna; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him.

Memorial gifts may be given to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org), Wycliffe Bible Translators (www.wycliffe.org) or Here4Them (www.here4them.com)