Joel Dean Young

Joel Dean Young, 85, of Amarillo, Texas, passed from this world on November 25, 2025. He was born on December 29, 1939, in Shamrock, Texas, to Jesse and Pansy Young. Joel married the love of his life, Iwana, on November 25, 1959. Throughout his life he was a man of many passions—he loved horses, team penning, camping, fishing, and riding motorcycles. He enjoyed playing, coaching, and officiating sports, and in his later years he especially cherished sharing coffee and conversation with his friends. Joel never met a stranger. He was a born storyteller, a big joke teller, and was known for giving everyone—and everything—a nickname. His humor, warmth, and easy friendship touched all who knew him. Joel is survived by his wife, Iwana Young; his son, Joel Young Jr. and wife Tonya; his daughter, Ideana Young; his grandson, Joseph Young; his granddaughters, Amanda Akins and Ileana Bonner and husband Derek; and his great-grandsons, Jordan Gabel, Durham Bonner, and Ziegen Akins and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; Jesse and Pansy Young, four brothers, three sisters, and his daughter-in-law; Kim Young. Joel will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by family, friends, and all whose lives he brightened. Everybody loved Joel.