David Franklin Young, 89, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Friday, April 17, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his family.

Born August 27, 1936 in Pattonsburg, Missouri, David was the son of the late James Franklin and Mary Helen (Maxwell) Young. He was also preceded in death by one sister, Doris Thompson, and a great grandson, Oliver VanDyke. He was united in marriage to Elfriede Emma Fuhr on March 2, 1958 and she preceded him in death in November of 1991. On October 27, 1992 in Lancaster, Missouri, David married Sharon Kay Gardner.

David is survived by his wife Sharon of thirty-three years; four daughters, Michelle Chrisman of Kirksville, MO, Sandra Minturn of Omaha, NE, Salena Kutschara of Bennington, NE, and Rachel Young of Kirksville, MO; sixteen grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

David was a graduate of Kirksville High School. He served his country in the United States Army from December of 1954 to November 15, 1957 with the 71st Infantry-Tank Command, 5th Regiment Combat Team, and with the 2nd Armored Division Combat Command B "Hell On Wheels". He was trained on M-46's and M-47's and upon serving in Germany M-48's. After returning home David was employed for the Kirksville Police Department from 1962 to 1964. He then worked for the St. Louis Police Department 6 months before returning to Kirksville where he worked for the Adair County Sheriff's Office from 1964 to 1966. From 1966 to September 1, of 1991, when he retired, David worked as a Patrolman for the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

David was a benefactor member of the National Rifle Association of America; life member of the Citizens Committee for Rights to Keep and Bear Arms; life member of the Military Order of the Stars & Bars, and member of the Sons of Confederate Veteran's.

David's hobbies included farming and was an avid hunter. He loved time spent with his family and he will be remembered as being a very devoted father and grandfather.

Public visitation will be held Tuesday, April 21, 2026 from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with funeral services to follow at 1:00 p.m. with Michelle Chrisman presiding. Interment with military honors will follow at Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville.

Memorial donations in memory of David may be made to Hospice of Northeast Missouri, and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.