Chase Young Obituary, Death – Decorated Army National Guard Veteran and Arkansas Law Enforcement Officer Dies at 35

Chase Parker Young, 35, of Arkansas, passed away in October 2026, leaving behind his wife, three children, parents, extended family, and a wide circle of colleagues and friends who remember his years of military, law enforcement, and public service. Described in his obituary as having completed his “End of Watch,” Chase dedicated much of his adult life to serving his country and protecting his community.

Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Johnny and Jodie Young, Chase built a life defined by service, commitment, and devotion to his family. His career took him from the Army National Guard to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and, ultimately, the United States Forest Service.

His passing has brought together people from across the military, law enforcement, and federal service communities to honor his life and the impact he made.

Chase Young’s Early Life and Military Service

Chase graduated from Southside High School, where he participated in the school band and competed on the varsity wrestling team. Following graduation, he joined the Army National Guard and began a period of military service that included multiple overseas deployments.

Serving as a military police soldier, Chase earned several military honors, including the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

After completing two terms in the Army National Guard, Chase continued his commitment to public service by pursuing a career in law enforcement. His military experience became an important part of the foundation he carried into his work with local and federal agencies.

A Career of Service With the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office

Chase began working with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office in May 2013 as a correctional officer at the Crawford County Detention Center. During his time there, he advanced to the rank of detention sergeant before moving into other responsibilities within the department.

In 2016, he became a patrol deputy, and in 2019, he was promoted to corporal. That same year, he became a certified field training officer and advanced to patrol sergeant, taking on additional responsibilities in law enforcement and officer development.

In 2021, Chase transferred to the Criminal Investigations Division, where he attained the rank of sergeant. He briefly served as police chief for the Kibler Police Department before returning to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.

In 2022, he joined the department’s Drug Task Force as a narcotics officer and also served as a task force officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration. His career continued to progress, and in 2025, he was promoted to lieutenant in the Criminal Investigations Division.

Chase also served with the Crawford County SWAT Team and worked with the Internet Crimes Against Children Division. These assignments reflected the range of responsibilities he undertook throughout his career.

In December 2025, he began a new chapter with the United States Forest Service. Throughout his professional journey, he developed lasting connections with fellow deputies, law enforcement colleagues, and classmates at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.

Remembering Chase Young Beyond His Career

While Chase’s military and professional achievements formed a significant part of his life, his family remained at the center of his world.

He is survived by his wife, Kelsey Young, of Cedarville, Arkansas, and their three children, Hadley Jo, Lauren, and Beau. His obituary describes his children as the joys of his life and his greatest accomplishments.

Chase is also survived by his parents, Johnny and Jodie Young, and his brother, Spencer Young, and sister-in-law, Ciera. His extended family includes his parents-in-law, Mark and Lynette Jones of Rudy, Arkansas; his brothers-in-law, Caleb Jones and his wife, Bailey, and Jordan Jones and his wife, Morgan, along with their daughter, Eden.

His aunts include Shayla Jackson and her husband, Keith, of Rogers, Arkansas, and Anna Tuttle and her husband, David, of San Luis Obispo, California. His uncles include Corey Prody of Fort Smith, Shawn Young and his wife, Robin, and Kevin Young.

Chase’s grandparents include Charlotte Prody of Fort Smith and Johnny Young Sr. and Kay Young. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Mark Prody. His great-grandmother, Joann Baker of Fort Smith, also survives him, along with seven cousins and several second and third cousins with whom he shared treasured memories.

For those closest to Chase, his legacy includes not only his service and achievements but also the relationships, family experiences, and memories that shaped his life.

Tributes From Military, Law Enforcement, and Federal Service Communities

Chase’s family has extended its sympathy to his fellow Army National Guard service members, the law enforcement community, and colleagues with the United States Forest Service.

His career brought him into contact with people across several branches of public service, and his colleagues were an important part of the life he built. From his early days at the Crawford County Detention Center to his later investigative and federal duties, Chase served in a variety of roles throughout his career.

The family has also established a memorial email address where people are invited to share personal stories and favorite memories of Chase. These messages offer an opportunity for colleagues, friends, and loved ones to contribute to the remembrance of a man whose life touched many people.

Chase Parker Young Funeral and Memorial Service Arrangements

Visitation for Chase Parker Young will take place on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren, Arkansas.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Van Buren First Assembly of God in Van Buren. His burial will take place in a private ceremony at Fort Smith National Cemetery.

The services will provide an opportunity for family, friends, and members of the military and law enforcement communities to gather in remembrance and honor his years of service.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Chase Young

Chase Parker Young’s life brought together military service, law enforcement, federal work, and deep devotion to his family. His progression through the Army National Guard and multiple law enforcement roles reflected a long-standing commitment to serving others.

Yet his most personal legacy lives on through his wife and children, his parents and extended family, and the many colleagues and friends who shared important chapters of his life.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Kelsey Young, Hadley Jo, Lauren, Beau, Johnny and Jodie Young, and all of Chase’s relatives, friends, and fellow service members.

May his family find strength in the love surrounding them, comfort in the memories they shared, and peace as they honor a life devoted to family and service.