Stanton Lee Young

Stanton L. Young, a prominent Oklahoma City civic and business leader died March 15, 2015. He was 87. Young was president of The Young Companies, which included Pepsi Cola franchises, Journey House Travel, oil and gas production and various commercial real estate ventures. A native of McAlester, Young earned an undergraduate degree in Accounting and Economics from the University of Oklahoma in 1950 where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. He then spent a year doing graduate work in Geology and Geography at OU. In 1981 Stanton married his sweetheart, Barbara Young, whom he spent many wonderful years sharing their love of travel and their dogs Murdoch and Heather.

Stanton was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He leaves a legacy of generosity and service to others. Affectionately known as SLY to family and friends, his quick wit and SLY nature will be missed. He left an indelible impression on all he met.

For more than four decades Stanton was a champion of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He was unwavering in his vision to elevate the health sciences center to a premier academic medical center of national stature. Stanton served as Chairman of the Presbyterian Hospital Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Presbyterian Health Foundation, Chairman of the Dean McGee Eye Institute Foundation, Chairman of Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority Board, Chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, Chairman of the Oklahoma County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Stanton served on the boards of the Dean McGee Eye Institute, Children’s Medical Research Institute, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission, Oklahoma Natural Gas, the Oklahoma Community Foundation, the Oklahoma State Fair Board, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and the Urban League of Oklahoma County. He served as Trustee of the United Presbyterian Church USA Foundation, Oklahoma Christian University, and the Veterans Hospital Foundation. Stanton served as Director of the Boy Scouts of America and the Salvation Army. He was a founding member of the Governor’s Oklahoma Business Roundtable. Stanton was honored to be appointed to serve on various national boards by President’s Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Carter.

Stanton was awarded Honorary Doctorates from the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma Christian University. Stanton was honored when the Stanton L. Young BioMedical Research Building was dedicated in his name. Also a portion of 11th St. was renamed Stanton L. Young Blvd in recognition of his efforts on behalf of the Health Sciences Center.

Among the various awards and honors bestowed upon Young are the Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Lifetime Achievement Award, the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine Dean’s Award for Distinguished Medical and Community Service, the Stanton L. Young Champion of BioScience Award, The Children’s Hospital Foundation Founders Award, The Oklahoma Hall of Fame, the Dean A. McGee Award, the National Conference of Christian and Jews Brotherhood Award, the Martin Luther King Award, and King of the Beaux Arts Ball.

Stanton and Barbara annually present the Stanton L. Young Master Teacher Award to an outstanding faculty member of the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.

Stanton was predeceased by his parents, Lee William Young and Elise Mae Urmston, his sister Ann McKinley and his sister-in-law Sandra Reynolds, and his beloved daughter Carol Elizabeth Young. Stanton is survived by his loving wife Barbara Young; his daughter Marie Elise Howard and her husband Ross; his son Lee Warren Young and his wife Laura; his sister Carol Calder and husband Bruce; his sister-in-law Patti Anderson and husband Larry; his brother-in-law Billy Reynolds; and his grandchildren, Libby, Michael and Billy DeLucia, Stephen and Anna Lee Young, and Carter, Trevor and Alexandra Wright. The family wants to send a special thank you to Laura Lynn Home Health Care and their wonderful caregivers: Angela, Kathy, Laurie, Carolyn, Thea and Donna. Also a special thank you to Maria. These loving and wonderful ladies went above and beyond the call of duty. A memorial services will be held 3:00 p.m., Thursday, March 19th at Westminster Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Children’s Hospital Foundation, Dean McGee Eye Institute Foundation, or the charity of your choice.