Derwin Le'Rone Young Obituary (1965 - 2023)

Derwin Le'Rone Young was born on March 23, 1965, in Pineville, Louisiana, to parents Linda D. Young (Nee Jackson) and Joseph L. Young. On March 1, 1986, Derwin was joined in holy matrimony to Yolanda M. Powell. To this union, Terrence (Terry), a wonderful son was born. Derwin graduated in 1983 from Bolton High School, in Alexandria, Louisiana, after which he enlisted into the United States Air Force where he obtained his Associate of Science degree from the Community College of the Air Force (1988); a bachelor's degree in business marketing from Louisiana Tech University (1990), and a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Southern University and A&M College (2009). Derwin was a Security Specialist and served during the Gulf War. He was honorably discharged after his tour of duty ended in 1991. He was a beloved educator and coach in both Orleans Parish and Rapides Parish schools. Derwin also worked for the United States Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, and the United States Norfolk Naval Shipyard, in Portsmouth, Virginia. At the time of his sunset, he held the position of Chief Engineer for the Alexandria VA Health Care System, in Alexandria, Louisiana. Derwin was a member of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club (Zulu Krewe, New Orleans, LA); Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; the Fraternal Order of Masons, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the National Society of Black Engineers. He was a member at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, in Alexandria, Louisiana. Derwin loved his grandchildren, often surprising them with gifts, visits, and outings. He had a passion for hunting and sports-particularly football, track, and basketball. He had a quiet and humble demeanor and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He touched many lives with his generosity of time, with his spirit and with his patience. Derwin had a fierce passion for life. Derwin was preceded in death by his beloved maternal grandmother Gertrude Jackson of Alexandria, Louisiana and paternal grandmother Bertha Hunter Young. Leaving a loving legacy behind, he entered into eternal rest on March 2, 2023. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Yolanda M. Powell-Young; son, Terrence(Terry) K. Young (Brittany) of Baton Rouge, LA; mother, Linda D. Young of Baton Rouge, LA; sister, Ferbian S. Young of Baton Rouge, LA; sister-in-law, Nanette Powell Peden (William) of Suffolk, Virginia; brother-in-law, Gerald M. Powell of Lena, Louisiana; five nieces, Summer G. Stokes, of Alexandria, Virginia, Patricia M. Powell of Baton Rouge, LA, Kayla N. Powell of Washington, D.C., Makiah Peden, of Suffolk, Virginia, and Natalie M. Powell, Washington, D.C.; four nephews, Jalen D. Thrower, of Dallas, Texas, Phillip Peden, of Virginia Beach, VA, Sterling Peden, of Charlotte, NC, and Anthony J. Powell, Baton Rouge, LA; four grandchildren - Joliette A. Young, Karlie B. Young, Kash B. Young, and Kane B. Young; as well as a host of other family and friends. A public viewing and visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at Miller and Hill "The Funeral Directors", 103 Bolton Avenue, Alexandria, LA, from 4:30 pm to 6 pm. A service celebrating his life and legacy will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 2308 Houston Street, Alexandria, LA, 71301. Public viewing and visitation will begin at 10:00 am and continue until the start of service at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Derwin Le'Rone Young's name to The Emerge School of Autism, 7784 Innovation Park Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, 70820 or via emergeschool.org. Please keep the family in prayer. ~Miller & Hill "The Funeral Directors"