Birth date: Aug 8, 1944 Death date: Jan 19, 2008
A celebration of the life of John Wayne Young, 63, of Longview will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 2 PM in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Turner officiating. Burial will follow in Lakeview Memorial Garde Read Obituary
Nancy and Family, I offer my sincere condolences for the loss of my buddy, John Wayne. I will never forget his ear-to-ear grin. He was truly a joy to be around. I will miss him.
May GOD Bless You,
Georgia##imported-begin##Georgia Grant##imported-end##
I'm certain that John right now is celebrating his life while having a grand reunion with Matt, with Jo and Pancho, his parents, and with all the FitzGerald aunts in heaven.
God bless all your families. You're in our prayers.
Love, Bea & John Naber##imported-begin##Mary Naber##imported-end##
Dear Nancy, Gina, Joe, Kathy...and the rest of the family:
At first John was simply "some random relative who lived in Texas". As a little kid I didn't really "get" how I was related to him, but I always knew it had something to do with those five Fitzgerald sisters.
When I was about seven, John took on a much more substantial identity: he became "the one who locked me & Judy outside on the fire escape when we were kids"--he was my mom's cousin who must have been a barrel of laughs to grow up with!
Once when we were all in Dallas for one of the Florsheim kids' weddings, a bunch of us decided to meet up and go for dinner. Mexican of course. What else?! I didn't know many of these people but there was lots of laughter and hugs all around. One guy seemed especially jolly--just so happy to see everyone and to be a part of it all. Seeing that everyone was comfortable around him, and that he was so genuinely enjoying himself, I remember hoping that a seat at his end of the table would be free so that I could sit near to him. Sure enough I got to sit kitty-corner from him...close enough to notice that he had sparkling eyes to match his demeanor.
At some point between chips & salsa and placing our orders, John introduced himself to me, properly, making all the connections clear. Oh, how the bells went off when I figured out THIS was the John from the fire escape story!, my mom's cousin!, Jo's son! And now knowing a bit of his character, suddenly it made sense why the "oh, we had a ball" parts of my mom's story had always overshadowed the "well, yes I was a little scared!" parts.
My realization must have shown on my face because both suddenly John and I were laughing and laughing! The others around the table looked up from their menus and we shared what we'd just discovered. More laughter. No longer random relatives in Texas. We happily repeated the scene at subsequent Florsheim kid weddings in Dallas and most recently in El Paso, for Mamaw's funeral.
This is how I will remember John...reminiscing, laughing, living fully, chatting so easily with our family...always over Mexican food.
I'm not there in person today, but I am with you.
Much love from,
Lori Susan's daughter##imported-begin##Lori Colliander##imported-end##
Dear Nancy,
you might not remember me, we met a long time ago when you and John were working at Palmer Drug Abuse Center. John was a special person with a very caring and uplifting personality. I will be forever grateful for his guidance und everything he did for my late husband Rick. My thoughts and prayers are with you.##imported-begin##Monika Henry##imported-end##
My heart goes out to your family at this time. Please know you will be in our thoughts in the days to come.
Michelle and Cole Sieber##imported-begin##Michelle Sieber##imported-end##
Nancy, Natalie and Family:
My family and I will miss such a kind and precious neighbor. John was such a great spirit with his warming smile and kindness. The community has lost a loving heart and giving soul. You are in our prayers daily.##imported-begin##Karen Yielding##imported-end##
A wonderful man and one of the world's "good guys" who gave so much to others. My prayers are for Nancy and his family at this time. Very sorry to see his passing. He was a blessing to many.
Jim Sawyer##imported-begin##James W Sawyer##imported-end##
Nancy , sorry to hear of Johns passing. I know that your faith , family and friends will help you through this trying time. Though I would rather say this in person I feel this would be best....Keep your chin up
God Bless##imported-begin##Chris Parker##imported-end##
Dear Nancy & Family,
John has a special place in our hearts. His guidance, compassion and kind spirit is what we will always remember. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
With Love...Michael & Trish##imported-begin##Michael & Trish Florsheim##imported-end##
Dearest Nancy, Oh, the memories we have of you and John, beginning with your wedding! We want you to know those memories changed our lives. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this time.##imported-begin##Don & Mildred Nesbett##imported-end##
