Rev. Dr. Joseph F Young

Rev. Dr. Joseph F. Young, Sr. 

 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (1 Peter 5:1-4 NIV).

Rev. Dr.  Joseph Franklin Young, Sr. was born on June 8, 1949 in Ansted, West Virginia to the late John and Annie Frances (Mundy) Young.  He was the seventh out of thirteen children and baptized at Mt Chapel Baptist Church, Ansted, West Virginia at age 12. In addition, Joseph attended Anstead High where he was a lineman on the varsity football team. He graduated from high school in 1967. Joseph did not shy away from hard work. While in school, he had a paper route, grass cutting jobs, grocery bagger, and other innovative adventures to make money growing up. He was not privileged like his children with weekly allowances.

Joseph was quite a character growing up in Anstead. It was not uncommon for him to act silly, provide comic relief, and get into a little mischief with his brothers.  Joseph’s adventures growing up also included him owning several cars. This was due to his fondness of wrecking them in his many travels up and down the hills of West Virginia. And we won’t get into his industrial skill of lighting the hillside to his home on fire. The Lord obviously had His hands on him and a purpose for his life!

Joseph was a husband and father joined in holy matrimony to his wife Drema Nadine (Peyton) Young on January 31, 1969. Through that union, six children were born. Joseph and Drema built a family foundation of love and support for one another; they believed in giving to others; a shared purpose continued by their children. Most of all, they taught their children that all of their successes were through a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Joseph and Drema were blessed to be married for 37 years.

Joseph resided in London, Ohio. He had a side job of  working as a certified HVAC technician working at Johnson Controls for 28 years. He later stepped out on faith and began his own company, Young’s Mechanical & Controls Services, Inc. which was founded in 1999. He worked all over the state of Ohio until he retired.

Joseph’s main job, calling, and passion was studying God’s word and serving as an Elder, equipping others to win souls for Christ. He was ordained as a minister by Rev. Dr. Wilson at Third Baptist Church in Xenia, Ohio. He began his ministry as Pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Lebanon Ohio. He accepted the call to serve First Baptist in 1980 and served to that capacity until 1987. After leaving London he served as pastor to churches in Middletown and Troy, Ohio before returning to First Baptist Church in 1993 and served until 2015.  Under his leadership, First Baptist accomplished many things and continued to grow spiritually under his watchful eye.

While pastoring First Baptist Church, Joseph shared, “It is a JOY, it is exciting and it is just downright fun being a part of a ministry where God is blessing and giving the increase. The JOY comes from the commitment to the Word of God focusing on the mission: ‘seek and save.’ The Master Soul winner Himself has given to each believer a commission to be a soul winner. Being a personal soul winner is not something people are given the opportunity to be, if they desire. It is a matter of obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28: 19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-49; John 20:21; and Acts 1:8).”

Pastor Young also took on the role of general contractor and hands on in the construction of the building of a new facility for First Baptist Church. It would not be surprising to find him on the top of the church inspecting the roof or in the dirt helping to install pipe fixtures. In honor of all Pastor Young has done for First Baptist, the fellowship center has been named the "J.F. YOUNG FAMILY LIFE CENTER."  

Pastor Young also served as First Vice President of the Ohio Baptist General Convention, Moderator of the Western Union Baptist District Association and a member of the Dayton Pastor’s Conference. In 2016 Joseph received an honorary doctorate from Zion Hill Baptist Theological Institute & Seminary.

Later in life, Joseph re-married Sandra Offord. They were "traveling buddies" enjoying each other's company on trips and attending various conferences. Many times, they could be found on the sidelines or court side supporting his grandchildren's various sporting events and performances. Sandra faithfully stood by his side over the last months as his health began to fail.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife Drema Nadine (Peyton) Young, his parents John and Annie Frances (Mundy) Young. Three sisters: Mary Mattie Young Williams, Pamela J. Young and Annie J. Young. Four brothers named John E. Young, Lawrence J. Young, Arthur D. Young, and Vernon D. Young.  

Joseph leaves to mourn and cherish his memories: wife Sandra Offord-Young; children: Joseph Jr (Marie), of Huber Heights, Ohio, Vivian (Lionel) Zephrin of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Jessica Jones of Xenia Ohio, Angela (Alan) Tucker of Columbus, Ohio, James Sr of London, Ohio, and Jo Ann (PJ) Watkins of Columbus, Ohio. Stepson: Shannon Offord of Noblesville, Indiana. Adopted sons: Dre Jones and Dale Robinson. Joseph leaves his grandchildren: Kamhar, JoMarre, Amethyst, DuShaun, Donovan, Jodine, Desmond, Dillon, James Jr, Joanna, and Jasmine. Adopted grandchildren: DJ (Brenda), Adrian (Julia), Mieliekk, Milasha, Janie, and Hailee.

At the same time, Joseph leaves one sister and four brothers to cherish his memories. Vernice Calloway of Columbus, Ohio, Leslie (Bertha) Young of Beckley, West Virginia; Michael Young of Charleston, West Virginia; Melvin (Lorie) Young of Antioch, Tennessee; and Glen (Joyce) Young of Raeford, North Carolina. In addition, he leaves a host of nieces, nephews and cousins who loved him dearly.

Visitation 12:00 p.m. and Funeral 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 28, 2021 at First Baptist Church, 250 Toland Street, London, OH 43140. Face masks are optional .

The family is being served by Eberle-Fisher Funeral Home, London, Ohio. Memorial condolences for family may be mailed to the church at the above address. Private interment will be at the convenience of the family. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests monetary donations in honor of Rev. Joseph F. Young Sr. be sent to Western Union Baptist District Association P.O. Box 60118 Dayton, Ohio 45406-0118 Attn.: James P. Humphrey Scholarship Fund.

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