Joe Earl Young

Joe Young, 84, of Montgomery, Texas, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family Tuesday, April 24, 2025. His grandkids lovingly proclaim him as the smartest person they know. Joe skipped a grade before graduating from Goliad High School in 1957. Following high school, he spent time in the United States Navy and went on to earn an engineering degree from The University of Texas. Joe launched his career at Shell before moving to DuPont and eventually Oxy where he finished his illustrious career, retiring as plant manager in Lake Charles at the young age of 55. Joe was married to the love of his life, Rae-Jean, for over 61 years. Through the years they loved dancing, including to their favorite song, “Fraulein.” golfing, traveling and most importantly spending time with their treasured family. Joe was an avid reader and was seldom seen without a book in his hand or nearby, including daily readings of the Bible. He spent much of his life as a golfer, enjoying his time on the course with family and friends throughout the years. Perhaps Joe’s most treasured role was serving as the number one fan of his daughters and six grandchildren – making it a top priority to be at all their sport and extracurricular activities, spending countless hours driving with them in the golf cart, fishing for turtles, giving advice and most importantly loving and supporting them. Joe is preceded in death by his cherished grandson, Jay, his parents “Red” and Effie Young, his sister, Neva and brothers-in-law Blackie, Henry and Harry, sister-in-law Mary Nell and brother-in-law Steve. He is survived by his wife Rae-Jean, his daughter Kaki and her husband Doogie and their children Daniel, Matthew and Emily and her husband Alex and his daughter Kelly Jo and her husband Mark and their children Luke and Sophie; brothers Buddy, Kenneth and his wife Sandra; sisters Martha and Johnnie and brother-in-law Richard and his wife Janie and sister-in-law Carol and her husband Bill. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 at the First Methodist Church – Willis at 200 North Thomason Street, Willis, Texas 77378 with a reception immediately following at the same location. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jay’s Hope – the foundation founded in memory of Joe’s grandson to support college students battling cancer. Checks should be made to Jay’s Hope and sent to Rae-Jean Young, 902 Bentwater Drive, Montgomery, Texas 77356 or made online at www.jayshope.net.

Joe Earl Young

January 12, 1941 - April 24, 2025