David Caldwell Young of Midland, MI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 2, 2024 after surpassing his goal of living to the age of 100. David was born in Memphis, Tennessee on June 18th, 1924, to Reverend David Caldwell Young Sr. and his wife Sara. David graduated from Davidson College and then earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at the University of Florida. After moving to Midland in 1950, he married Laura Fries in 1955. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this year.
David worked in organic chemistry research at the Dow Chemical Company; he retired in 1986 after a successful scientific career. While working, he was also very active in both the local section and the national organization of the American Chemical Society (ACS). He served two terms as a member of the national ACS board of directors.
David believed in giving back to the community. He volunteered for the AARP IRS Tax Aide program for 30 years. He was a driver for Meals on Wheels for many years and was active in the Midland First United Methodist Church. As an avid birder and nature lover, David was a member and officer of the Midland Nature Club, served on the board of directors for the Chippewa Nature Center, and the board of directors of the Michigan Audubon Society.
As the son and grandson of ministers, David was expected to join the ministry. He instead chose to go into science, moved from the deep south to Michigan, and split his full name between his two sons to avoid burdening either of them with “David Caldwell Young III”. While he worked in science, in many ways he ministered to the people around him. David was a believer in social progress; that belief only strengthened throughout his life. He is remembered as an advocate for tolerance, inclusivity, and equality for all. His advocacy continued even past his 100th birthday.
David was a kind and gentle soul who charmed everyone he met, and everyone he knew will miss him.
David is survived by wife Laura F. Young of Midland, MI, daughter Patricia Young (Ronald Wellman) of Midland, son Thomas Young (Linda Young) of Lake Jackson, TX, and son Bruce Young of Oakland, CA. He is also survived by grandchildren Laurel Wellman (Andreas Oeste), Heather Wellman, Eleanor Young, Peter Young, Johnna St. Clair, Andrew Wellman (Jennifer Ingersoll) Jeremy Wellman, Aric Wellman (Leslie Stasko).
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in the chapel at the First United Methodist Church in Midland, MI with visitation in the parlor at 10:00am. The Reverend Pamela Buchholz will officiate.
All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Young family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one.





