Honoring Lt. Colonel Dean Young — A Life of Service and Spirit

Honoring Lt. Colonel Dean Young — A Life of Service and Spirit

In celebration of Veterans Day 2025, County Culture is proud to honor one of Jackson County’s oldest, and most inspiring, veterans, Lt. Colonel William Dean Young of Newport.

Young’s story began in 1953 during the Korean War when he joined the 1st Cavalry. Since he was a “sole surviving son” and not allowed in a combat zone, Young was sent from Korea to Japan to serve his remaining two and half years of his first enlistment.

By 1958, he was commissioned as an officer, beginning what would become a remarkable 38-year military career across the Army, Army Reserves, and Army National Guard.

When asked about his best decisions in life, Young did not hesitate: “Marrying Lula and joining the Army.” With a chuckle, he called Lula the “bell cow” of the family, a phrase that took a little explaining. “She’s the one who kept us together and is the anchor of this family,” he said. While he served his country, Lula held down the home front and raised their three children, a true partnership of strength and love.

His son, Clay Young, shared, “My father taught me that a lifetime of service is not defined by one uniform, but by an unwavering commitment to God and the greater good of all. He served his country for 35 years, our hometown of Newport as Mayor, and his brothers in arms as a veteran advocate, finally retiring at the age of 85 after

all of his battles fought.”

Even now at 91, Dean Young has not slowed much. Although he is no longer running for fitness as in his younger years, he still believes in staying active and keeping a good pace, both in stride and in spirit. And in true Lt. Colonel Young fashion, when the time came to retire, he sent a letter to President George H. W. Bush explaining why he should not have to. He received a response kindly thanking him for his years of service but still made him hang up the uniform. Dean laughs about it now, living proof that dedication, and humor, make a fine pair.