Rev. David Cook Young

The Reverend David Cook Young, retired Presbyterian Minister of Word and Sacrament, died July 17, 2025, on his 60th wedding anniversary, with his beloved wife, Marcia and family by his side.

Forever a New Yorker at heart, David served Fairgreen Presbyterian Church of Toledo, OH, for 22 years and First Presbyterian Church of Bowling Green, OH, for 14 years, before retiring to Indianapolis in 2017.

David was born in New Rochelle, NY, on February 16, 1936, and was valedictorian of his class at Katonah High School. A 1958 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Bowdoin College in Maine, David went on to earn his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in NYC in 1962 and was ordained in Hudson River Presbytery. David served as a Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA), fulfilling multiple leadership roles in Columbus and Maumee Valley Presbyteries in Ohio. He pastored Thompson Ridge and Pine Bush Presbyterian Churches in NY; Second Presbyterian Church in Newark, OH; Fairgreen Presbyterian Church in Toledo, OH; and First Presbyterian Church of Bowling Green, OH. Upon retirement, he led many congregations in Northwest Ohio as a transitional pastor. David contributed his gifts as president of Kiwanis Club and chair of the Human Relations Committee of Bowling Green, OH. He championed interfaith, ecumenical, and social justice initiatives throughout his ministry.

Beginning in high school and continuing through college and beyond, David ran long distances, competitively and for enjoyment, for six decades. A voracious reader, his pen meticulously underlined and marked the margins of books. His scholarly, contemporary, and humorous sermons filled yellow legal pads in his exquisite handwriting. Inspired by theologian Karl Barth, he prepared sermons with the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other. He imbued the ministry with critical analysis, dignity, music, and warmth and celebrated vibrant worship in the Reformed tradition.

David rejoiced in cheering on his grandchildren; sailing with friends on Lake Erie; traveling the US and abroad; and since 1941 traveling to Eagle Camp, on Grand Isle in Lake Champlain in Vermont.

David is survived by his wife, Marcia Young of Indianapolis; daughters, Jennifer Young (Anthony) Dzwonar of Indianapolis and Jessica (Kurt) Young Brust of Union Mills, IN; grandchildren, David and Jacob Dzwonar and Elspeth and Adelaide Young Brust; siblings, Philip Young (Toronto, ON), Jocelyn VanBuskirk (Washington, MO), and Patience Young (Palo Alto, CA); and cousins, Christopher Dermer and Gillian Lloyd (Kent, England).

He is preceded in death by parents, Richard and Virginia Cook Young.

Donations may be made to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Southern Poverty Law Center, or Legacy Hospice (Carmel, IN).

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will take place at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis on Friday, August 15, at 12:00 noon. Visitation at the church will begin at 11:00am.