Obituary of JOHN YOUNG

      John W. Young completed his "final argument" and "the race which had been set before him" on January 17, 2009, when, after 85 years, God called him to His reward.  He passed away at home with his wife Claudeen present after a wonderful and peaceful day with his family.       John was born in a rented home at 1239 E. Dewey in Sapulpa, on November 25, 1923, just over one month after his father Glen Olen Young and his mother Thora Kate Young drove into Sapulpa from Washington, D. C. in a Model T Ford with his two older brothers, Glenn A. and David, who were only 4 years and 1 year old.  Later two sisters were added to the family as their father, a young lawyer, struggled to build and support them.       The three brothers grew up to become lawyers with their father in the firm of Young, Young, & Young in the 1950's and 60's in Sapulpa.  John continued in the active practice of law for over 58 years.  He was also a rancher, oil producer, and real estate developer, and served in the U. S. Navy during World War II.      In 1964 he was elected State Senator for Creek, Okfuskee, and part of Lincoln Counties and served until 1986.  He was a fervent representative for his constituents and was instrumental in the construction of the present four lane highway to Tulsa and the protection of state and teacher retirement programs by exposing and reducing unfunded liability.  He fought corruption in state government and to reform the judicial system by making the selection of judges fair and non-partisan.      In 1976 John was afflicted with cancer, but was healed through his doctors and the prayers of his family, friends, and some Christian businessmen.  From that time on he dedicated his life to serve his Savior who had healed him.  As Chairman of the Senate Sub-Committee on Corrections he investigated the prison system following the McAlester prison riots and concluded that the prisoners needed Jesus to truly change their lives.  Later he led many ministry teams into all of Oklahoma's penal institutions.      He proclaimed that the Lord wanted to make Creek County "drug free" and visited inmates in the Creek County Justice Center twice a week for many years, with his final visit the day before he died.  His simple message was that "Jesus loves you" and that he wanted them to become "Warriors for the Lord".      He founded what is now Freedom House, a ministry of Teen Challenge, for women with life challenging problems.  He and Claudeen were a tireless ministry team together, often visiting many area churches and hospitals, always sharing encouragement from the Lord, salvation, and prayer for the sick.  Always willing to help those in need, he truly lived the command of Jesus to love, serve, and have compassion for others.      He set an example by his life for his family to follow.  His desire was to pass the Christian spiritual heritage that he had received from his parents on to his own children and grandchildren.      John was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn O. and Thora K. Young, and his brothers, Glenn A. and Thomas.  He is survived by his wife and life long partner, Claudeen, to whom he had been married for 59 years, as well as by three sons and their wives, John Mark and Debi, David Lee and Rita, and Brad and Gayle.  He is also survived by ten grandchildren, Evan and wife Allyn Young, Kristen and husband Chris Tanner, Mike and wife Chandee Young, Jeni and husband Dennis Henderson, Lindi and husband Donovan Collins, Joshua and wife Tara Young, Wendy and husband Bryan Cornelius, Brian and wife Becky, Aaron, and Matthew Young; 10 and 1/2 great grandchildren (so far); three brothers, David Young, Norbert and wife Megan Young, Uli and wife Janet Young, two sisters, Elaine Marshall, and Dorothy and her husband Tom Lawson, and many nieces and nephews.  He was also blessed by Ethel Rivers, his faithful and loyal secretary for over 60 years.       The celebration of his life will be at 10:00 AM Thursday at the First Baptist Church in Sapulpa under the direction of Green Hills Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of remembrances John would want any memorials in his honor to be given to Freedom House (Teen Challenge), 1701 S. Main, P.O. Box 2247, Sapulpa, OK 74067.       We'll all miss our husband, father, grandfather "BoBo", brother, mentor, and friend.  If he could still speak, he would tell us he loved us, to give our hearts to Jesus, and to pick up the torch to make Creek County DRUG FREE! Memorials: In lieu of remembrances John would want any memorials in his honor to be given to Freedom House (Teen Challenge), 1701 S. Main, P.O. Box 2247, Sapulpa, OK 74067. Service: Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 10:00 am First Baptist Church Sapulpa, Oklahoma Cemetery: Green Hill Memorial Gardens Sapulpa, Oklahoma