John Curtis Young

YOUNG, JOHN C. , age 88, of Bessemer, AL, went to be with the Lord on July 22, 2013. John was born the third child out of four to Lloyd and Vera Young in Denton, MD on April 22, 1925. John was raised in Patchogue, NY then entered the U.S. Navy during WWII at the age of 17 and served three years. He entered college on the GI Bill and obtained a Ceramic Engineering degree from the Missouri School of Mines in Rolla. During this time he met his wonderful wife Doris. They were married in 1952 and started a family having three children while in Mexico, MO. John worked for Mexico Refractories for 20 years before moving to Fort Worth, TX and working for a refractory company for 3 years. Then, he relocated to Alabama where he eventually started his own company, Coastal Refractories, with his long-time business partner and worked until he retired. He was instrumental in starting Indian Ford Volunteer Fire Department on South Shades Crest Road in Bessemer that is functioning to this day. John was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Charles Young and his wife of 59 years, Doris. Survivors include two daughters, Kim Canfield (Casey) and Amy Robertson (Danny); one son, Larry Young (Teri); three cherished grandchildren, Logan and Haley Young, and Abbigail Robertson; one sister, June Williams; and one brother, Ralph Young (Joan). John was a humble man with a focus on God, family, and his work. He loved to grow tomatoes and fruit during the summer. He was a long-time member of Helena Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Monday, July 29, 2013 at Helena Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday morning, July 30, 2013 at the church, with burial at Helena City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Save-A-Life Shelby County or to Helena Cumberland Presbyterian Church.