Dean Young

Dean Henry Young, a beloved rancher and devoted family man, passed away on August 4, 2025, in Sahuarita, Arizona. Born on May 15, 1932, in Jerome, Arizona, Dean lived a life marked by dedication, honesty, and love, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. He was a proud graduate of Hayden High School in Hayden, Arizona, where he first cultivated a spirit of hard work that would follow him throughout his life.

Dean's journey was one defined by commitment and service. In his early years, he joined the United States Air Force on March 26, 1951, proudly serving until his honorable discharge on March 25, 1955. This experience helped shape his character, instilling values he would carry into every facet of his life.

In marrying his eternal sweetheart, Connie Mae Pace, on December 6, 1954, in the Mesa Arizona Temple, Dean found a partnership that would flourish for 70 beautiful years. Their union was a testament to love, resilience, and shared purpose. Together they nurtured a family that carries forward Dean's legacy—his daughter Ellen Mae (Mark), sons Dean "Henry" (Debbie) Young II and Daniel Jay (Bonnie) Young, as well as 12 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Each of them holds memories of his guiding words: “Remember who you are, where you came from, and what you stand for.”

Beyond his familial commitments, Dean found joy in the simple pleasures of life, often immersing himself in the great outdoors. It was here, amidst the open air and expansive skies, that Dean discovered peace and contentment. His life as a rancher was not merely a career; it was an embodiment of his values and a tribute to his roots.

Dean is preceded in death by his father Jacob Henry Young, mother Sarah Farrington Young, brother John Clifford "JC" Young, sister Jolene Francis Reynolds, his son-in-law Mark Young, and grandson Wellington Bradley Young. Their absence weighs heavy, yet in his memory, they live on as he joins them in the eternal pasture.

As we gather to celebrate Dean's remarkable life, a graveside service will be held at the Eden Cemetery in Eden, Arizona, on August 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM. The warmth of his spirit will be remembered not only in the words he cherished but also in the vast legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of integrity, family, and unwavering love.