Donovan James Young was born on November 5, 2000, which just happens to be the birthday of his great grandfather, O.J. Herndon. Donovan was born in Elk City, OK to James “Jamie” Young and Laura Herndon Young. He was named after one grandfather and one great grandfather. James from James Young Sr. and Donovan from Don Mulliinex. Donovan passed away at the age of 22 on June 10, 2023 at his home in Liberty, TX. His family was blessed to have him as our own. He held a special place in our hearts. His family included many, some by blood and some by choice.
Donovan is survived by his parents, Laura and husband Cody Hysmith of Burns Flat, OK; James and wife Lauren Young of Livingston, TX; his maternal grandparents, Cecilia George of Burns Flat, OK and Lawrence and wife Peggy Herndon of Red Oak, OK; his younger brother, Todd Young of Burns Flat, OK; 2 step-sisters Carolyn and Cynthia Plymale, step-brother William Plymale, all from Livingston, TX, and 5 nieces and nephews that he loved spending time with. His aunts and uncles include Roy and wife Melanie Herndon of Elk City, OK; Marty LeCrone of Elk City, OK; Belinda LeCrone of Elk City, OK; Kendall and husband Shawn Tomlinson of Vernal, UT; Aimmie Sinor of Red Oak, OK; and Mary and Rogelio Perla of Livingston, TX.
Donovan was the first grandchild born from his mother’s generation. Cousins include Mark Herndon of Elk City, OK; Jessie, Lylah, and K’Dan LeCrone of Elk City, OK; Houston LeCrone; and Evelyn and James Perla of Livingston, TX.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James S. Young Sr and Evelyn Penry; his maternal great grandparents O.J. and Betty Herndon; George and Brenda Burwood, Don Mullinex and his great aunt Kathy Tucker.
Donovan attended school in Elk City, OK, Merrit, OK, Livingston, TX and Onalaska, TX. He graduated from Burns Flat Dill City High School in 20i9. He was baptized September 22, 2019 in Dill City, OK.
After graduating high school Donovan moved to Texas to try life where his father was from. He then came back to Oklahoma to try life where his mother was raised. He finally decided to move back to Livingston, TX where his father lives. He found work in a few places during his short life. He worked for his uncle Roy Herndon in his lawn care business, McDonald’s and cooked at a nursing home. Donovan was trying to find his way in life in Livingston, TX. He was beginning to take an interest in becoming more active and fit, even walking the seven or eight miles to town often. He loved fishing.
Donovan was known for so many different things. He loved to tinker. He would drag home different broken “treasures” and had great plans for fixing everything. One time he even brought home a broken piano. He made a guitar out of cardboard, duct tape and guitar strings. He wanted to transform a broken lawn mover into a go cart. He was an artist in many forms, from painting a self portrait to drawing imaginary characters from his head. He loved to draw. Donovan even learned to weld from a man named Marvin.
Donovan sang and wrote many things. But Donovan was best known for being happy. He always wanted to make others laugh and smile. He could bring sunshine to any storm in life, whether his own or others.
Donovan had 2 best friends in Burns Flat, OK, Katie and Exavier. Their group was known as The Three Musketeers. His friends called him Porkchop. Donovan was one of a kind and will be missed by so many!
A memorial to celebrate Donovan’s life will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 3 pm at Elk City Lake, OK.
