Ken Young always enjoyed a good swap meet. His love for classic cars, especially the Chevy Bel Airs of 1955-57, also known as the “Tri-Five,” drove him (pun intended) to many a swap meet, where he scored everything from coveted parts to entire cars. He never left empty-handed even if he didn’t buy a single thing, because he never met a stranger and always made new friends.

On the morning of Monday, June 23, 2025, Ken Young made it to the ultimate swap meet, trading in his well-worn earthly body for a brand-new chassis, complete with fully restored vision and hearing. Much like the “Tri-Five” Chevys he loved to restore, his new body is most likely polished to perfection! Ken had just celebrated his 80th birthday surrounded by many of his family the evening before.

Born in Colorado Springs, CO, on June 18, 1945, to Bains and Faye Chambers Young (later Dunnam), Kenneth Bains Young entered this world with a purpose and determination unmatched by any other. Throughout his lifetime, Ken was happiest when he was working with his hands and “being his own boss.” He had an entrepreneurial mindset, a gypsy spirit, and was a visionary - a dreamer! He mastered the art of turning any and all hobbies into a business venture – a trait he unwittingly passed onto his four kids.

Ken loved to travel! He once hitchhiked from Ft. Worth to Las Vegas in the late 1960s, carrying his big Samsonite suitcase with his destination written on it. He made it to Vegas, but not without stories to tell! During that journey, he caught a ride with one young couple in a convertible who somehow let it slip that their ride was stolen, a revelation which led Ken to quickly retrieve his Samsonite from the trunk of the car and find another ride!

Ken, or “Kenny” as he was known in his youth, grew up in Rule, TX, where his family moved when he was a young boy. He was a Rule Bobcat through and through, graduating from Rule High School in 1963 where, according to his mom, he excelled in sports and socializing. Even into old age, he held a special place for that tiny Texas town in his heart, returning as often as he could to reminisce and visit any of his remaining classmates.

Ken married his forever love and partner in life, Pam Tauch, on May 20, 1969. Together, they built a life in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, where they owned and operated a variety of businesses, including booths where they made custom redwood signs and airbrushed T-shirts at Six Flags over Texas and other major theme parks. Of all his business ventures, his Custom Wood Sign Shop was the one that stood the test of time. His creativity and willingness to stay on top of the latest technology were driving factors in all of his business ventures.

Ken proudly served his country in the US Army from 1969 until 1972. During his enlistment, he served as an X-ray tech and completed a tour of duty in South Korea.

After returning to the states, Ken earned a Bachelor of Industrial Arts degree from University of North Texas Denton in 1974, later using that degree to teach woodshop at an alternative school for three years.

The pride and joy of Ken’s life was his family. Always the first to greet his loved ones when they arrived for a visit and the last to wave good-bye, he adored having his family around him. He was an observer of people, never demanding the stage and always soaking in the conversation. When Ken was having a conversation with you, it was always clear he was engaged, actually hearing your heart and showing genuine interest in whatever interested you. As much as he enjoyed spending time with family, though, Ken knew when he required a retreat back into his shop or garden to piddle with his most current projects.

Ken’s legacy includes his four children – Missy Lewis and husband, Todd, of Haskell; Heather Hockett and husband, Darin, of Rhome; Seth Young of Rhome; and Liz White and husband, David, of Granbury. He was lovingly known as “Grandpa” to 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, each of whom he cherished.

The greatest love of Ken’s life was his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Anytime he spoke of Jesus, he became emotional, expressing the depth of his love and gratitude for what Jesus had done in his life. It was his life’s mission to make sure everyone he loved also loved the Lord.

Among his other great pleasures in life, Ken loved mealtime! His family says his favorite meal was breakfast, his second favorite was lunch, and his third was dinner. He was famous for asking what everyone wanted for the next meal before the dishes were even cleared from the current one! He could make a mean omelet, filled with tomatoes, onions, and peppers fresh from the garden mixed with fresh eggs from Pam’s chickens.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, as well as his stepdad, Bill Dunnam, and brothers Vic Trammell and Kent Dunnam. What a glorious reunion it must have been when he stepped into Heaven and was greeted by his loved ones who made it there before him!

The family is planning a celebration of Ken’s life on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Lakeview Fellowship Church, 9940 Morris Dido Newark Rd, Ft. Worth, TX. Time and specifics to follow. Friends and extended family are invited and encouraged to wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt or muumuu in his honor. (Coconut bras and grass skirts are discouraged.)

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial gifts be contributed to Ken’s beloved Pam to help with expenses.

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