Written by Sarah (Young) Moffate

Keith Irvin Young Jr. was born on November 28, 1962 in Columbus Ohio. Just after graduating from high school he joined the U.S. Military where he served for about 11 years. During his service in the Army, Keith served in the Gulf War and spent several tours of duty in Korea, leading to his keen interest in the Korean people and culture.

Keith was a talented carpenter who enjoyed woodworking. In his early teenage years, Keith would build things with his childhood friend. When things didn't turn out as expected, they would call the imperfections "character marks." From then on Keith committed to naming his business CharacterMarks Inc. After his 11 years of service, Keith started his own roofing business with that name. After many years of roofing, Keith took an interest in sign and decal making. Soon after his business became Character Marks Inc. and C-Mark signs.

Keith was a hard working man, but when he was not working on roofs or making signs he was enjoying life, singing karaoke with his friends, watching Korean drama, going to BBQ's with his friends, going to football and hockey games, hosting people at his house for food and watching games.  After hot days of hard work he enjoyed getting banana Slurpee's from 7-eleven with his best friend, Kenny.

Even though Keith's life was too short lived, it is clear to say that his life was full of good people and precious memories. Keith passed away on April 1, 2022. On April 26, 2022 we lay his remains down to rest and set his soul free with the Lord...forever worry free and pain free. 

FOREVER Rest In Peace...Roofing so perfect that GOD called his number! All the roofs are complete now.

To the Young and Pidima family, 

I am forever grateful to have such fond memories of Keith.  Keith and his family were our next door neighbors in Cedar Rapids Iowa.  Keith and I were 6 months apart in age.   We were always at each other’s houses. Playing outside after school.  Baseball, dodgeball, walking to the little store, riding bikes, going to each other’s birthday parties, going up to the park to do sparklers on the 4th of July or just sitting by the fire hydrant with the neighborhood kids.  Walking up to the park to swing or go to the summer activities held by the city.  Monday bible study was something I looked forward to.  I can still sing the song that names all the Chapters of the New Testament.  I talked with Keith maybe a year ago and he shared the great picture frame of pictures I think his sister gave to him.   I am so blessed to call Keith a lifelong friend . RIP dear friend.

Peace,  Beth Danielson-Schulte

Loved having you as neighbors growing up. Always missed yo all! My heart s out to yo all! 

Dawn Becicka

 Dear Family of Keith I Young Jr

I am so thankful for having been a neighbor to your family back in the day. Keith had been my best friend for as long as I can remember. His being the only boy was kind of strange to me with all my brothers. But Keith had sisters, lucky guy. Sisters who took good care of him and his friend. We had a pretty good childhood, thanks in part to older siblings. We fought over stupid things, like our wagons. This gave us plenty of laughs over the years. We rode bikes all around the neighborhood, walked on barrels, stilts and old wooden wire rolls. We used appliance boxes as forts and also slid down the hill on them. We Made TP’s, snow forts and went sledding in the winter. Most, if not all, of these activities took place at one time or another with Keith’s older sisters.

Keith’s Mother taught Bible Club which was a blessing to us neighborhood children. I thank God for placing this family in my neighborhood, and even more so, in my life. Although I won’t be able attend Keith’s memorial service I will be remembering him and praying for his family and friends.

Keith my brother in Christ is deeply missed