Ronald James Young

Ronald James Young, 68, of Lake Charles went to be with the Lord at 9:00 PM on Friday, April 24, 2015 in his residence. Mr. Young was a 1964 graduate of LaGrange Senior High School. He was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church and a past member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved and played many sports such as football, basketball and baseball in his younger years and then went on to play softball. Mr. Young was a member of the 1974 National Champion Shetler Cougars men's softball team. He was an avid golfer until his illness prohibited him from playing. He continued his love of sports by taking up umpiring. Mr. Young umpired baseball, but eventually focused more on recreational and high school softball. He was a member of the Southwest Louisiana Umpire's Association and was a founding member of Lake Area Softball Officials Association, separating high school softball from baseball here in Southwest Louisiana. His membership exceeded 30 years, where he served as the assignment secretary for his last 20 years. He later added volleyball official to his list. Mr. Young was a member of the Southwest Volleyball Officials Association for 20 years, where he served as the assignment secretary for 18 of those years. He enjoyed nothing more than watching a good ball game, which was evident over the many years that he followed his brother, children, grandchildren and nephews to ball parks everywhere. His love of sports was only surpassed by his love for his family and God. Those left to cherish his memory are a daughter, Staci Young VanHoose and husband Dr. John VanHoose; a son, Christopher Paul Young; a sister, Anita Prejean; a brother, Mark Young and wife Angie; four grandchildren, Alexandra VanHoose, Brenna Young, Jack VanHoose, and Katie Young all of Lake Charles; and five nephews, Jay and Matt Prejean and Drew, Aaron, and Logan Young. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lena and Nelson Young and a nephew, Jacob Young. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. The Rev. Alan Trouille will officiate. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Garden Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will begin on Tuesday from 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being recited at 6:00 PM. Visitation will resume on Wednesday from 8:00 AM until leaving for the church at 9:30 AM.