Charles E. Young, 73, was called home to be with the Lord on January 31, 2024. He was comforted by his devoted wife and family during the days, hours, and minutes leading up to his final rest.

Charles was born on March 14, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Samuel Young and Martha (McClanahan) Young. Charles was the second born of three children and was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Shirley Young and brother, Katen Farrington Jr. Just as he dealt with all experiences in life, Charles managed his illness from beginning to end with strength and grace.

Charles was a proud graduate of the East Technical High School class of 1968. Following graduation, at the age of 18, Charles enrolled and successfully completed a 5-year apprenticeship program becoming one of the first African Americans to obtain his certification as a Journeyman Pipefitter. Charles was a member of Pipefitters Local Union 120, from which he retired after 39 years, at the age of 57. Charles was very passionate about his career both on and off the job. He was very involved in advocating for equal rights in the workplace. He, along with a few likeminded colleagues, joined forces to fight against and win discrimination lawsuits; thus, paving the pathway for those who joined the pipefitting trade after him.

Charles met the love of his life, Dian Strong, in 1971 while visiting with her sisters from Richton, Mississippi. Dian relocated to Cleveland, Ohio where the two lovebirds later married in 1975. Charles and Dian together raised four children – Reginald, Ronald, Angela, and Evelyn. Although they had four children of their own, Charles was considered a “dad” and role model to many of the children in the neighborhood who did not have a male figure in the home. Charles was well respected and often looked to for advice. Many referred to him as the “backyard champ” because of his instruction and execution on the basketball court.

Charles accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a very early age. He joined Church of the Cross UMC in 1986, which later merged with Windermere UMC and ultimately united with Church of the Saviour. Charles was an active member of his church community and held various leadership positions. Some of those roles included Chairperson of the Administrative Board, President of the Trustee Board, Finance Committee Member, Usher, and Food Bank Volunteer. He also looked forward to Fridays at COTS, where he enjoyed compiling the Sunday Worship bulletin. Charles worked diligently and faithfully for the Lord.

Charles was a very outgoing and social man. He never met a stranger. He would initiate a conversation with anyone. He loved talking about work, current events, sports, and politics. He enjoyed spending time with his family on road trips, at amusement parks, and at community events. He loved going to the recreation center, where you would often find him playing basketball, jogging, or in the steam sauna. Charles also enjoyed golfing and playing pool with his childhood buddies, Price and Hayes. Reading was another favorite pastime of his. He would begin each day with reading his Bible and devotion.

Charles’ unconditional love will forever be cherished as he lives on in the hearts and memories of his wife of 49 years, Dian; his children Reginald (Desare) Strong Sr., Ronald (Kelley) Strong, Angela Young, and Evelyn Young; grandchildren Reginald Strong Jr., Dejanae Strong, Omar Merritt, Deondre Strong, Tai Russell, Jordyn Florence, Ronique Mitchell, and Devyn Robinson; and great grandchildren Omar Merritt Jr., Ja’Marr Merritt, Lelani Strong, Omari Strong, Kali Strong, Remi Strong, and Bria Stewart; and a host of other family and friends.

-Lovingly Submitted, The Family