David Young

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

David Wayne Young, 56, of Monett, Missouri, went home to be in the loving arms of Jesus on March 14th of 2026.

David was born on June 20, 1969, in Harrison, Arkansas. He grew up and graduated from Green Forest High School in 1987 where he was a proud member of the “wolf pack”.

From an early age, David valued hard work, faith, and family—qualities that would guide him throughout his life.

He continued his education at the College of the Ozarks, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. It was there that David met the love of his life, Stefanie. Their relationship quickly grew into a lifelong partnership built on love, faith, and sarcasm. The two were married on July 18th, 1992 and went on to build a beautiful life together.

David later earned his Master of Business Administration from William Woods University, furthering his dedication to providing for his family and pursuing his goals.

David worked for Tyson Foods for 35 years, where his dedication and leadership led him to become one of the few people to have worked at every department within poultry growout and processing; leading him to become a beloved complex manager in Monett and Corydon, IN. He later joined Cobb-Vantress as a Genetics Excellence Processing Specialist, where he traveled the world consulting with poultry companies. At the time of his passing, David was working with The Best Dressed Chicken, a brand of the Jamaica Broilers Group, continuing to share his expertise in the poultry industry as a vice president of operations.

More than any title or accomplishment, David was most proud of being a husband, father, and pops. He was a devoted family man who cherished time with the people he loved most. His strength, guidance, and steady presence shaped the lives of his children and those around him. David found joy in many of life’s simple and meaningful moments. He loved working on his farm and spending time outdoors, especially when it meant taking his children—Ashton, Jake, and Joby—on hunting and fishing trips. He also enjoyed mushroom hunting each spring, though he was known for keeping his favorite mushroom spot a closely guarded secret A strong advocate for gun safety and wildlife conservation, he enjoyed teaching his kids about the outdoors and the importance of respecting nature. David also enjoyed traveling, deep sea fishing, taste-testing different cuisines, and cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks. Not only was he known for his cooking skills, he loved entering BBQ contests. Though some might attest after he made his family tur-duck-en, a chicken stuffed inside of a duck, stuffed inside of a turkey. It is a memory that will forever be remembered and cherished by his family.

David had a heart for service. He participated in mission trips with Purdy Youth Alive and faithfully served his community as a member of the Purdy School Board. He was also a dedicated member, Trustee and Sunday School Teacher at First Free Will Baptist Church. During times of devastation—such as tornadoes or floods—David often organized groups from Tyson Foods to deliver and cook truckloads of chicken to communities in need, always finding ways to lend a helping hand to others.

David will be remembered for his faith, his kindness, and the love he showed to his family and friends. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing he has gone home to Heaven.

He is survived by his loving wife, Stefanie Young; his sons, Joby Young and Jake Young; his daughter, Ashton Kramer (Steven Kramer); and his grandson, Noah Kramer. He is also survived by his father, Carl Wayne Young, stepmother, Sharon Young, and his mother, Barbara June Young; his brothers, Courtney Young and Darrell Young; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will cherish his memory.

David’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His wife Stefanie would like you to know that.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Buchanan Funeral Home with Reverend Russ Neill officiating. Interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery. The family invites friends for a time of visitation on Wednesday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In memory of David, memorial contributions have been suggested to the Purdy FFA. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.