Charles Edward Young, 86, passed away October 8, 2022. Charles was born on November 8, 1935 to his parents Edward and Jean (Frank) Young in Niagara Falls, Canada. His grandparents mostly raised him. Growing up he was a GMA tourist guide for The Falls, also worked in the dry bottle company.
Charles married his wife Patricia “Pat” on August 25, 1960 and they have been civilly divorced since May of 1977.
Charles was in the Navy from 1953 to 1965 where he then came back to start his own restaurant called the Scarlett Coach Inn. He later worked for a life insurance company as an insurance agent within a couple different states. Charles placed an ad in the newspaper in early 1980, this led to the beginning of Charles and Jimmie’s relationship. On April 20, 1980, Charles left California a week earlier than Jimmie expected and surprised him in Des Moines. Charles was on the balcony took one look at Jimmie and immediately smiled. Charles was very persuasive in getting Jimmie to move to CA and they eventually started their journey together, Charles of course made it very easy.
In Stockton, Charles and Jimmie lived in the Cal Villa Estates in which Charles became the President of HOA. He made sure to go and talk to his neighborhood, sent out newsletters, and talked to the local police. Charles had a heart of gold.
Charles had many creative pathways. He made a lot of unique naturistic paintings and things he liked. Ceramics of all kinds of figurines in his kiln in which he would hand-glaze as well. In fact, he made a paper mâché model of the Statue of David which is at the University of Pacific Arts on display in Stockton, CA. He loved playing his piano and enjoyed Al Jolson, Kate Smith and 50’s Rock N Roll.
In his free time, he loved reading historicals especially about Ancient Greece and Rome. Charles was very witty and would like to play trivia games with Jimmie. He would use the magnetic alphabet letters on the fridge to set up a song title or joke on the fridge for Jimmie to do. Charles loved animals (dogs for sure), nature, trueness and beauty, and gaining knowledge.
Charles and Jimmies spent a long time together and finally decided to get married on April 20, 2018 in Des Moines, Iowa and they spent 4 and a half years in marriage together before his passing.
Left to cherish Charles memory are his husband Jimmie Jackson, 4 sisters, 2 brothers, daughter Ellen “Maggie”, daughter Kate, daughter Jean, daughter Fran, grandson Christopher Kestson, good friend Margaret Allen, and many beloved friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brother Edward “B” Barney and another brother.
There will be a memorial gathering on Wednesday April 19th from 4:00-6:00pm at Brooks Funeral Care (formerly Tonini Chapel) at 2135 SW 9th Street, Des Moines. On Thursday April 20th, there will be a memorial service to further honor Charles life at 10:00am at Brooks Funeral Care on SW 9th Street.