Chet Alan Young, 75, of Linville, passed away on January 22, 2023 at his home.

He was born May 2, 1947, in Raleigh, NC to the late Francis Lee and Claud Edward Young. Growing up in an Air Force family, Chet moved all over the country and attended more than 50 schools. He graduated from Waipahu High School in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1965.

After graduating high school, he was drafted into the Army, qualifying to enter Officers Candidate School in 1968. He completed one tour in Vietnam. He was a decorated U.S. Army Ranger and served in the 82nd Airborne. During his Army career, he completed both a bachelor's degree in Business and a master's degree in Management. Chet retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1990.

Chet was an avid sportsman as a player, coach, and spectator. He was a member of the Northern Virginia Senior Softball (NVSS) League for 24 years, as a player, manager, and board member. He was elected to the NVSS Hall of Honor in 2008. He also started a very successful over-50 senior softball team, "Murphy's Law" which competed in and won several national tournaments. He was inducted into the Washington Metropolitan Slow Pitch Softball Hall of Fame in March 2014. An avid golfer, Chet participated in several golf leagues throughout the Northern Virginia area. He also formed his own league, which continues today. After Chet's health kept him from playing, the league was named the "Forever Young Golf League" in his honor.

In 2006, Chet married the love of his life, Miriam. They shared a dream of having a home suited for entertaining and welcoming guests. In 2015 they built a beautiful house together in the Shenandoah Valley and moved from Springfield, VA on Valentine's Day. Their home is an open gathering place for family and friends. Chet and Miriam are known for welcoming all into their home, from childhood friends to church groups and new neighbors. Chet loved to entertain and his love of good food, games, laughter, and sometimes mischief have left memories with all who knew him.

Chet loved life! He and Miriam traveled all over the U.S. and Europe. He was a frequent spectator at grandchildren's sporting and school events. Each of his family members knew how proud he was of them. Even as his health made it difficult to do the things he loved, he maintained a cheerful, positive attitude, and continued to enjoy life without complaint.

He is survived by his beloved wife Miriam; four children, Stacey Young of Arlington, VA, Buddy Young (April) of Raleigh, NC, Melissa Garber (Austin) of Broadway, and Tony Marcopulos of Linville; six grandchildren, Maggie Garber, Grace Marcopulos, Luke Garber, Leo Marcopulos, Ian Garber, and Andrew Garber; two sisters, Edna Thompson, and Karan Olson (Mike); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two siblings, Margaret Coleman, and Claud Young Jr.

Pastors Richard Early and Robert Yutzy will conduct a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 11:00 am, at Lindale Mennonite Church, Linville VA. The service will be live streamed, at https://tinyurl.com/chetyoung .

Military burial with full honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to WoundedWarriorProject.org.