Ross Laton Young's Obituary
Ross Laton Young died in the early afternoon on Thursday June 19th in Houston, Texas. He was worn down by a long battle with multiple neurological disorders. His oldest son Eric was at his side.
Ross was born on February 28, 1944, in Dallas, Texas and was raised by his mother, Irene. His childhood home was on Kaywood Street, and he attended Longfellow Elementary, Rusk Middle School, and Thomas Jefferson High School. He was a standout tennis player and his wonderful friends from “TJ” stayed in touch with one another through reunions and correspondence for decades. In the fall of 1962, Ross moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas and study politics and government.
It was during his college years that he met a Baylor Bear from South Texas named Sheryl Coquat. They married on June 10, 1967, and started their life in Dallas, where they lived for 53 years until Sheryl’s unexpected passing. Ross had many jobs over the years. He was a waiter, a delivery driver, a printer, a long-haul truck driver, a sports sideline camera operator, and a newspaperman. In the 1970s and early 1980s, he worked for, and eventually co-owned, a printing and delivery business called Bowne of Dallas. His daily routine would be to throw newspapers in the morning, come home to take a nap, and then work at Bowne until very late at night. Despite the long hours, he always had time to throw batting practice to his sons (and their friends), and the family would huddle around the television on Sunday to watch the Cowboys play.
Ross coached Eric in soccer and baseball, and later coached Brett in football and basketball. As his boys got older, he left the coaching to others, but no matter how much work there was to do, he never missed a game. For years after high school, Brett’s St. Mark’s friends would call Ross, “Coach Young.” He loved that and loved those boys for saying so.
Ross settled down at First Baptist Dallas sometime around 1990. He attended several Sunday school classes over the years, eventually helped teach one, and even worked on Monday nights with an inner-city evangelism effort called “Evangelism Explosion.” Ross became a deacon at the church in 2013 and faithfully executed his role as a deacon and as a pastor prayer partner. Everyone who spent time with Ross at the church or simply joined the family for Thanksgiving or for a significant event, was moved by his passion for prayer. He happily served the church and served a handful of elderly people as a personal care giver for many years. And, as all who knew him would affirm, his love for Sheryl was complete.
Ross talked often of his friends from “TJ”, from the neighborhood, from college, from his prior jobs, and from the church. His ability to connect with people, put them at ease, and form friendships was unique. Ross’ life was more full, more joyful, and more exciting because of each and every one of his friends.
Ross has joined his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and is reunited with Sheryl, curing a deep and prolonged sadness after her passing. Although Ross moved to Houston in 2021 to be near to family, it was just never the same for him without her. But, as we know, all things are made new.
Ross is survived by his son Eric and his wife Heather, his son Brett and his wife Michelle, and his seven incredible grandchildren: Lucas, Victoria, Charlotte, Samantha, Jacob, Johnny, and Cole. “Buddy Ross” loved them all without limit.
A graveside service for family will take place on the morning of July 1 at Restland cemetery in North Dallas. A memorial celebration will follow at First Baptist Church in downtown Dallas at 11:30 am on July 1.
What’s your fondest memory of Ross?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ross?
Share a story where Ross' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ross you’ll never forget.
How did Ross make you smile?