Obituary

David Leroy Young

January 4, 1948 - November 17, 2024

On Sunday, November 17th David Leroy Young, age 76, known to many as “Coach” went home to be with the Lord at St Tammany Parish Hospital, surrounded by his children and loved ones. David is the son of the late Leroy Young and Mary Ethel Webb Young of Franklinton. He was a Class of 1966 graduate of Franklinton High School, where he was an All-District shortstop on the 1966 State Championship Demons baseball team. David continued his education at the University of Southern Mississippi, earning a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. He then began a 33 year career teaching, while also coaching basketball and football, at Franklinton Junior High School before retiring. Mentoring countless young men through the years earned him the nickname “Coach”, a title he was very proud to have both at the school and still to this day when he ran into old students. David also proudly served his community and country with the Louisiana Army-National Guard from 1970 to 1976. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Franklinton.

David was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. He loved to hit the woods all year long in pursuit of wild turkeys, deer and other wildlife. David liked to be heard playfully making his owl sounds at school and certainly to his children “who cooks for you, who cooks for you all”. After retiring, David could be seen almost daily at his favorite lunch spots around town or sitting on his front porch waving at cars as folks traveled down Main Street. He loved for friends and family to gather at his home during the Washington Parish Fair. David enjoyed boiling peanuts during the late summer and he was always watching or listening to his favorite sports on the radio. Especially LSU sports and New Orleans Saints games but also baseball and the Little league World Series each year. David also loved spending time, usually every evening, with his V.F.W. “family”, sitting in his favorite chair watching ball games surrounded by his best friends.

He is survived by his four children and spouses: Heather and Jason Crawford of Pensacola, FL, Jessica and Dustin McLain of Covington, Jonathan Young of Franklinton and Matt Young of Hammond. Six grandchildren: Austin McLain, Sarah Crawford, Addy McLain, Lauren Crawford, Olivia Crawford, and Abram McLain. His lifelong best friend Gary Brumfield of the Hays Creek Community and his former wife and friend Beverly Young of Franklinton. He is also survived by his sister and brother in law Hazel Ann and Roy McCain of Franklinton, two nieces, three nephews, numerous great-nephews and great-nieces and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and other extended family members.

The family wishes to express a sincere thank you to Rhonda Norberg for the loving care and support she provided David at home the last few years and Dr. Robin Fabre and staff for the great medical care they provided. Also a thank you to Northshore EMS, Riverside Medical Center Emergency Room staff and St. Tammany Parish Hospital I.C.U. for the care and support during the difficult final days.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Friday November 22nd from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 am Friday with Rev. Joey Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Ellis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the Acts 1:8 ministry of First Baptist Church (950 Self Street, Franklinton, LA 70438) or to the Food Bank of Franklinton.

Pallbearers: Jason Crawford, Dustin McLain, Austin McLain, Randall Stafford, Russell Moak, George Forrest

Honorary Pallbearers: Gary Brumfield, Billy Ray Breland, Sid Zeringue, Roy McCain, Greg Stafford, Lewell Ray Crain, Tracy Delahoussaye