Earl Washington Young Jr.

Earl Washington Young Jr., age 80, of Arlington, Texas passed away on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 after his valiant battle with cancer. Earl was born and raised in Horatio, Arkansas, prior to attending Henderson State University on an Army ROTC scholarship, graduating with a degree in mathematics and earning membership in the Alpha Chi Honor Society. Earl lived a life marked by dedication, both to his country and his community.

Earl served honorably as an artillery officer in the United States Army for 20 years, including a year-long tour of duty in Vietnam, committing two decades to defending the values of the nation. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor and the Air Medal in addition to numerous personal and unit awards.

Upon retirement from the Army, he went to work for LTV and eventually Lockheed Martin in the missiles and fire control division on the MLRS program. While there, he was rapidly promoted to Program Manager of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) where he managed contracts over $100,000,000 in value. He earned numerous awards for performance and leadership during his 24-year tenure there.

Beyond his professional life, Earl was deeply involved in his community and was a devout member of the First Methodist Church of Mansfield. His faith was a cornerstone of his existence, guiding him through his life’s endeavors and challenges.

A man of many interests, Earl was passionate about music and woodworking, hobbies that he pursued with as much dedication as his career. His creativity and intelligence were evident in the intricate pieces he crafted and the beautiful music he created. He listened well, laughed often, and loved with his whole heart. Heaven is better for his presence, and Earth is a little less for his absence.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Betty Lou; his son, Patrick and his wife Carolynn, their children Evan and Madeline; and his son, Marc and his wife Joni, their children Hannah and Parker. Earl's life was a testament to the values of kindness, generosity, and love, which he imparted to both his family and all who knew him.

Visitation will be at Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home, from 6 pm to 8 pm, Wednesday, August 28th. Services to honor Earl's life will be held at the First Methodist Church of Mansfield at 10 am, Thursday, August 29th, followed by a graveside service at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 2 pm.. The Moore Funeral Home in Arlington, Texas, is assisting the family during this time.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Earl's memory to the Merkel Cell Carcinoma research at https://merkelcell.org/join-the-fight/. Earl's legacy will continue to influence and inspire, even as he will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.