Linda Kay Young

Linda Kay Young, 85, of Amarillo, passed away on April 25, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at Temple Baptist Church, 3208 S Van Buren St, Amarillo, TX 79109 with Pastor John-David Culbertson officiating. A visitation will be held from 6:00–8:00 p.m., Monday, April 27, 2026 at Cox-Rowley Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive, Amarillo, Texas 79109. 

Linda was born on September 21, 1940 in Newlin, Texas to Henry and Bernice Wasson. She was a proud member of the first graduating class of Tascosa High School. She earned her Registered Nurse degree through the Northwest Texas Hospital Diploma Program in 1962. Later, continuing her pursuit of knowledge she attended Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma

On September 2, 1960, Linda married the love of her life, James “Jim” Young, at San Jacinto Baptist Church in Amarillo. For 65 years, she stood faithfully by his side through many deployments and served as his devoted partner and “better half.” Together they built a loving family and shared a passion for travel, making memories across the country and abroad, including visiting five countries in Europe in one day and dancing in each one; She loved square dancing and even made most of her outfits.

Her professional life was marked by compassion and dedication. She was selected and sent for specialized training at Fitzsimons Army Hospital, to become one of the first NICU nurses. She took great pride in caring for newborns and those unable to care for themselves. She later managed a nursing home with the same servant’s heart and also taught unwed mothers at Caprock High School, guiding them in caring for their babies.

A devout Christian, Linda read the Bible cover to cover seven times, living her faith daily through love, service, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was a deeply committed wife and mother, always protective and determined to provide the very best for them. Her protectiveness showed up in real, everyday ways - once, when Richard was pinned under a car he had been working on after it slipped, Linda didn’t hesitate. She jumped in and helped lift the car off of him, something he will never forget.

Her family never questioned how deeply she loved them. They fondly describe her as someone who, even in moments of disagreement was always “on the same paragraph of the same book.”

Linda is survived by her husband, Jim Young of the home; son, Richard Young, of Amarillo; daughter, Laura Hodnett of Crowley, Texas; five grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Bernice Wasson; and her son, Mark Allen Young.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation at https://www.komen.org/how-to-help/donate/.