Jake Young Jr.

Jacob Cardwell Young Jr passed away Friday, June 18, 2021, in Midland, Texas.

Born on January 31, 1940, in San Angelo, Texas to Jacob Cardwell Young Sr. and Hester Bunger Young, Jake was raised in Ozona, Texas. A true son of West Texas, Jake grew up in the ranching world and carried a love for animals and the outdoors throughout his life.

Sports was also a passion of Jake’s and, following graduation from Ozona High School, he played college football at Texas Western University, now known as University of Texas at El Paso. While at UTEP, Jake was an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Between football and academics, Jake met and fell in love with Barbara Wiggs whom he would marry in 1960. Jake and Barbara would share life together for 59 years until her passing July 26, 2020.

Love of country was a priority for Jake and, following graduation from UTEP, he
entered the U.S. Army where he served for four years, advancing to the rank of
Captain, and was honorably discharged in 1967.

Jake’s post-military life included the arrival of two children: Erin Dian and Jacob
Cardwell Young III. Career opportunities moved Jake and the family from Texas to
Albuquerque, New Mexico where he grew in his professional life as a financial
planner and in his personal life contributing to the community and making lifelong
friends. The oil boom called in 1981 and Jake moved his family to Midland, Texas
where he would again prove to be an asset to the community and a trusted friend
to all.

Jake’s family meant everything to him. He was involved and supportive on every
level. Jake encouraged Barbara in all her community activities such as PTO and
the Junior League. Erin headed to T.C.U. and Jake did his part to cheer on the
Frogs and be the best “sorority dad” around. History repeated itself as Jake’s son,
Jake III, excelled on the high school football field. Jake III graduated from Midland
Lee High School and was an All-American center for the University of Nebraska.
With Jake leading the way, every member of the Young family became a true
Cornhusker.

Midland was a great fit for Jake and his family. He thrived in the close- knit
community becoming active in many organizations like Salvation Army, Rotary
Club and Midland Lee Booster Club. Ever strong in his faith, First Baptist Church
Midland was his calling and he and Barbara led their Sunday School class for
several years. Sunday School remained an essential driver in their lives and
evolved into an amazing group of friends.

Fatherhood was a joy to Jake. This happiness grew exponentially as his
grandchildren joined the family and he and Barbara became “Gran” and “Pop” to
three grandsons: Andrew, Wilson, and Sammy.

Jake’s nature was loving and inclusive. He was a friend-maker. Jake never met a
stranger and, much to the occasional dismay of his kids, struck up a conversation
everywhere he went … in line at the car wash, grocery store or pharmacy.
Everyone seemed to know him, and everyone really did love him. This genuine
love for people was his greatest gift and a blessing to those around him. Jake’s
kind heart, hearty laugh and eternal optimism will be missed by all.

Jake was a treasured husband, father, and grandfather. We will miss him more
than words can say. Jake joins his wife Barbara and their beloved son, Jake who
passed away in 2002. Jake is survived by daughter Erin Young Hoffman and
husband Ken of Houston, daughter-in-law Laura Young Saksa and husband Mark
of Rocky River, Ohio, sister Alleane Jones of Hockley and sister-in-law Cheryl
Wiggs of El Paso. Most important are three grandsons who love their Pop:
Andrew Cardwell Hoffman of Houston and Wilson Samuel Young and Samuel
Joseph Saksa of Rocky River, Ohio.

A graveside service with military honors for Jake will be held Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland, Texas. A joint celebration of life for Jake and his wife Barbara will be held at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Chapel of Midland, Texas.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.