Charles Ray Young

February 24, 1935 - July 11, 2018

Charles Ray Young, “Charlie” or “Pop”, passed away July 11, 2018 at the age of 83 years. He was born in 1935 in Anna, Texas, and his family moved to Shafter, CA in 1945, during the Dust Bowl era. The Youngs worked alongside the many others who came to California’s Central Valley to harvest cotton and potatoes in 100+ degree heat, all hoping to build a better future for themselves and their families. He graduated from Shafter High School and went on to attend college, graduating from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree. He served in the US Army in Phoenix, AZ, for two years, where he also he earned two master’s degrees. Charlie married Clarice (Mouser) in 1960. They settled in Bakersfield, CA where Charlie began teaching school. After a few years of teaching, he became the principal at Panama Elementary School, then Sandrini Elementary School, and later he accepted a position as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum at the Panama-Buena Vista School District. He was loved and respected by students, parents, and faculty everywhere he worked. After retiring in 1994, Charlie and Clarice joined their daughters and their families in St. George, Utah. Charles is survived by Clarice, his wife of 57 years, daughters Jennifer Guter (Chris) and Jana Bickel (Jeff), and grandchildren Josh Conklin (Derrica), Jaren Conklin (Ashley), Rhett Guter, Alyssa Popkes (Mark), Braeden Guter, Jordan Bickel, Julia Bickel. He was also blessed with 5 beautiful great-grandchildren. Charlie was devoted to his faith and his family, and education was his life’s work. Charlie had a gift for understanding and connecting with people of all ages. He understood the importance of investing in those God put in his path. He was selfless in the giving of his time and resources, and he made a genuine impact on countless lives. Charlie was always on the lookout for opportunities to share the message of reconciliation and unconditional love through his Savior, Jesus Christ, which he exemplified in work and deed. He is dearly loved by his family and friends, and will be deeply missed, but we rejoice in the knowledge that he is with the Lord. “…for we do not grieve like the rest of mankind who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” 1 Thess. 4:13 & 14. A memorial service will be held Saturday July 21, 2018 at 3:00 pm. at South Mountain Community Church, 3158 E 2000 S, St. George, Utah 84770 (Little Valley). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Hope Pregnancy Care Center, St. George. 391 East 500 South, St. George, UT 84770.