Fleetwood Lionel Young Jr. entered into the presence of Christ on January 14, 2023. Lionel was born during the Second World War at MacDill Airforce Base in Tampa, Florida where his father was serving with the United States Army. Lionel grew up in League City, Texas and graduated from Clear Creek High School. Written in one of his old Bibles is the date April 6, 1958. It was the day when Lionel realized that God loved him unconditionally, that Christ gave his life for him, and was resurrected by the Holy Spirit for his earthly and eternal joy. He made a public profession of faith at the age of fourteen, and was baptized at the First Baptist Church of League City.

Following High School graduation Lionel enlisted in the Marine Corps to serve his country during the Vietnam War. He was promoted to the rank of corporal with the United States Marine Special Forces, being assigned on reconnaissance missions as a platoon sniper and scout swimmer in Southeast Asia. Lionel was known by those close to him as a gentleman who always treated others with respect. He was also known as a man who was not afraid to fight when duty demanded it. He was a person who preferred peace yet also believed he had a responsibility to protect his family, his country and those who were weaker. These are values he remained committed to his entire life.

Lionel wrote down the date January 6, 1975 in another old Bible. It was the day that that he felt a strong sense of calling to give his life as a minister of the gospel.  After graduating from seminary, he served congregations in Tennessee, Indiana, Kansas and Texas, over a period that spanned about forty years. He and his wife Rendie became members of Denton Bible Church in 1998 where they found great encouragement under the expositional preaching of Tommy Nelson, and were involved in the life and ministry of the church. Lionel enjoyed helping couples who were struggling with their marriage, and became involved in Denton Bible's Biblical Training Center for Pastors in Kenya and Russia.

Lionel had many things that he loved and enjoyed in this life. He loved Christ first of all, never wavering from his commitment to him, and always prepared to tell anyone about Him, in the most winsome way possible.  He loved his wife Rendie, who remain by his side until his last breath. He loved his family and would make any sacrifice for them. He loved his country and was prepared to die for it. He had many lesser loves as well. He rode the rodeo circuit as a young man and never lost his love for horses. He loved the Texas Hill Country with its exposed rocks, mountain cedars, live oaks, and desert cactus. He loved old Western movies, pickup trucks, guns, and BBQ brisket.

He fought the good fight. He finished the race. He kept the faith.

Lionel was preceded in death by his father, Fleetwood Lionel Young Sr of Hitchcock, Texas, and his mother, Martha Wonnie Davis of League City, Texas. His is survived by his wife of nearly 57-years, Rendie Diane, his son, Fleetwood Lionel Young III (and wife Stacy), his daughters Lawon Meador, Leah Cushman (and husband Jeff), and Letta Blankenship (and husband Jeff). Lionel's descendants also include seventeen grandchildren: Fleetwood Lionel Young IV, Robert Alan Young, Bradley Scott Young, Erin Blythe Meador, Lydia Naomi Meador, Chloe Michelle Meador, Ryan Glen Meador, Whitney Diane Bates, Taylor Carter Stephens, Keira Deanne Cushman, Holden Christopher Cushman, Haley Elizabeth Cushman, Skylar Lee Redlin, Leah Rowan Scott, Paisley Nichole Scott, Hunter Cade Blankenship, and Ashlynn Hope Blankenship; Lionel had two great grandchildren he loved dearly: Vesper Joy Young and Cash Michael Humberson. He is also survived by two siblings, Barbara Antoinette Blake and Duane Lanier Young (and wife Cheryl), with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A viewing will be held from 1:00–2:00 pm in the Chapel at Denton Bible Church, followed by the funeral ceremony at 2:00 pm, with Pastor Thomas Nelson officiating.  A private burial service will be held for members of the family at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that gifts be given to global missions through either Denton Bible Church at www.dentonbible.org or Global Action at www.globalaction.com .

For those wanting to honor Lionel's special love for missions, a scholarship fund has been set up in memory of Rev. Lionel Young Jr that will be used to fund the theological education of promising young African leaders. Tax-deducible gifts can made to Global Action and specified Rev. Lionel Young Jr Memorial Scholarship.