Curtis Howell Young
Curtis Howell Young, 84, of Forest, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at his residence.
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on January 14, 1942, he was the son of the late Eugene Young and Lois Godfrey Young.
Curtis proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1964 until 1973. Following his military service, he answered God's call to missions, dedicating the next 26 years of his life to sharing the Gospel in Bolivia, South America. He began his missionary work with New Tribes Mission, where he received specialized training for overseas service and ministered among remote jungle tribes through evangelism. Later, he continued his ministry with SIM International, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Intercultural Studies while faithfully serving the people of Bolivia.
His ministry reflected both his faith and his practical talents. Gifted with his hands, Curtis helped build airstrips, construct homes, and maintain mission facilities deep in the jungle, ensuring that others could continue the work of spreading the Gospel. He also taught the Bible in a Bible Institute and Seminary, planted churches, and participated in mountain video evangelism, faithfully investing his life in making Christ known. Whether through preaching, teaching, building, or serving, Curtis demonstrated a servant's heart and an unwavering commitment to the Lord.
After returning to the United States, Curtis remained active in his faith as a devoted member of Thomas Road Baptist Church. He found great joy in worshiping through music, singing in the church choir and participating in the Living Christmas Tree for many years.
While ministry was the calling of his life, his greatest earthly joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather who treasured every opportunity to spend time with his children and grandchildren. He celebrated their accomplishments, encouraged them in their faith, and left them a legacy of love, humility, and faithful service to God.
Curtis also enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing, and found pleasure in watching classic westerns on television. He loved music and never missed an opportunity to sing.
He will be remembered as a man of deep faith whose life was marked by compassion, quiet strength, and a steadfast desire to serve both God and others. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his missionary work, his church, and the family he loved so dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Dawn Hazel Young; five children, Crystal George (Ryan), Nathan Young, Sam Young, Amber Poron (Luis) and Ruby Tatthahao (Billy), 11 grandchildren, Jordan Young, Renner Young, Hudson Young, Deonnie Jones-George, Cheyenne Poron, Gabriel Pororon, Nathalie Poron, Alessandra Poron, Camila Poron, Nicolas Poron and Vivienne Ratthahao; one great grandchild, Sahara Ashley and two sisters, Janet Pefley (Dave) and Joanie Young.
A private graveside service will be conducted at Virginia Memorial Park.
A memorial service celebrating Curtis's life and unwaveri ng faith will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Thomas Road Baptist Church. The family will receive friends during a reception in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.
In honor of Curtis's love for fishing, the family requests memorial contributions be made to either Reel Connections for Kids. www.reelconnectionsforkids.org or Cast for Kids Foundation, www.castforkids.org.
