Donald Claude Young III, M.D.

Donald Claude Young III, M.D., a devoted family man, gifted physician, beloved teacher, and mentor to many, died peacefully on Monday, the 1st of June 2026, with his wife by his side. Known affectionately as Donnie or Doc, he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son-in-law, and friend. His capacity for love was boundless, and his zest for life touched everyone who knew him.

Donnie was born in Houston, Texas, on the 21st of January 1952, to Donald Claude Young, D.O. and Kathryn Wetmore Young. Alongside his big sister, Peggy Dunne Shrader, and older brother, Randall Mack Young, he grew up in West University. He loved telling stories about his childhood escapades. One favorite was the time he got lost as a child and was rescued by two women who draped him in a mink coat, bought him an ice cream cone and took him to the West University police department. Donnie also delighted in describing his habit of knocking on neighbors’ doors and asking for crackers. If a neighbor said they did not have any, he would cheerfully point out exactly which cabinet held the snacks.

After graduating from Lamar High School, Donnie earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG), home to Mexico’s oldest private university and internationally recognized medical school. During his years there, he formed lifelong friendships that he cherished for the rest of his life. His time practicing medicine in Mexico also gave rise to many colorful stories. One favorite involved a newspaper article that ran beside a photograph of the red-headed American doctor with the caption, “Obviously CIA,” a detail that drew raucous laughter from his colleagues.

When Donnie returned to Houston, he trained at Baylor and began working alongside his physician father. He went on to establish his own medical practice, which would serve the community for more than 42 years. Donnie was beloved by his patients, many of whom showered him with praise—compliments he rarely repeated himself, though they were evident to everyone around him. His final 25 years were spent in private practice in the Houston Heights, caring for hundreds of patients he adored.

Throughout his career, Donnie also taught medical students, physician assistant students, and nurse practitioner students from numerous schools across Texas and beyond. Teaching the art of medicine brought him great joy and became an important part of his professional legacy.

In 1992, Donnie met and fell in love with Elaine Roch. They married in 1994 and never looked back. Elaine was truly his soulmate and the love of his life. When Donnie became father to Rodney Ray Young, he was overjoyed. Together, they shared countless fishing and hunting trips, creating what Donnie often called “memories of a lifetime.” His heart was always with Elaine and Rod.

An avid fisherman, hunter, skier, scuba diver, tennis player, traveler, and nature lover, Donnie built a life of adventure with Elaine, Rod, and all who wanted to join. Donnie, Elaine, and Rod especially loved traveling the world with Elaine’s family, visiting countries throughout Europe, Canada, Central America, South America, and the United States—always with a camera in hand to capture each precious moment. Oh, those candid shots!

Donnie loved people with his whole heart, and he especially treasured time with his extended Young family and Elaine’s extended family. Thanksgiving at Bill and Lynn Guggolz’s bay house in Galveston and New Year’s at Tom, Margarite, Eloise, and Hal’s Burke Ranch in South Texas filled him with excitement year after year. In true Donnie fashion, he not only brought his delicious fresh green beans for everyone to enjoy, but also customarily offered annual flu shots for the whole family.

The birth of his granddaughter, Emma Kathryn Young, brought Donnie immeasurable joy. Spending time with Emma became one of the true highlights of his life. In fact, Emma spent the last weekend of Donnie’s life with her Doc, filling his heart with peace and happiness.

Donnie was a deeply spiritual man who lived a life of service and loved God. His profound faith in Jesus was a true gift—one he shared generously with countless men and women. Inspired by Elaine’s grandfather, Dr. Leslie Paris LeGrand, and his sermon message to “Pass It On,” Donnie enthusiastically carried that calling forward. He was committed to sharing the hope, healing, and miracles made possible through the 12 Steps. In his uniquely quirky, philosophical, and authentic way, Donnie showed others how to trust in God and rely on Him. That legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and lives of all he touched.

Cooking was another Donnie favorite. He delighted in welcoming family and friends into his home, whether to share a meal, cheer on the Astros, or just enjoy the warmth of being together. He also loved traveling with friends on group vacations and cooking any number of his delicious specialties.

Dogs always held a special place in Donnie’s heart. As a child, Pepper followed him everywhere; if the family couldn’t find Donnie, they looked for Pepper. Later, Daphne, Samantha, Amigo, Molly, Brody, and Honey became his faithful companions and were often curled up in his lap.

It was only health challenges that slowed Donnie down, though he fought diligently and rarely complained. Donnie received a lung transplant on December 9, 2022, at Houston Methodist Hospital. This came about through a set of circumstances only God could orchestrate. The last few years of Donnie’s life were filled with joy, challenges, and plenty of God winks. Family and friends walked step by step alongside Donnie and Elaine, offering support, strength, prayer, encouragement, belly laughs, and endless help.

With deep gratitude, the family thanks everyone who accompanied Donnie and Elaine on this journey. Donnie often reminded others that life’s journey is, at its heart, “a love story.”

Donnie is predeceased by his parents, his brother Randy, his father-in-laws Robert H. Roch, William H. Guggolz & L. Henry Gissel. Donnie is survived by his loving wife Elaine, devoted son Rodney and wife Casey, granddaughter Emma, sister Peggy, mother-in-law Margaret Lynn Gissel, sister-in-law Carolyn Roch and husband John Haley, nieces Maggie Henneman, Kelly Putney Rogers (Stephan), Kara Putney Roche (Matthew), Lori Putney Koch (Thomas), great nieces, Madison, Avery, Kate, Claire, Charlotte, great nephew Scott, the LeGrand Clan, the Guggolz Clan and scores of friends.

Because of a precious organ donor and the outstanding physicians, nurses, and staff at the J.C. Walter Transplant Center at Houston Methodist Hospital, Donnie and his family were blessed with several more years together here on earth. For that extraordinary gift, they are immensely grateful.

The family also extends heartfelt thanks to Donnie’s loving caregivers, Belinda Josey and Jeanetta Washington, for their faithful care and kindness.

A Celebration of Life will take place at eleven o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 1st of July 2026, in the sanctuary of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay Street in Houston, where Rev. Dr. Matthew Russell is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family at a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family kindly suggests contributions in Donnie’s honor be directed to the J.C. Walter Transplant Center, Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation PO Box 4384, Houston, Texas 77210-4384 (houstonmethodist.org/giving). For questions, please contact Lana L. Comeaux, Ed.D. Development Director at 713-824-3090, [email protected]; or Chapelwood United Methodist Church Foundation, 11140 Greenbay St., Houston, Texas 77024, or by visiting the links in the “Donation” section below.