Chase Young Obituary, Cause of Death – Army National Guard Veteran and Law Enforcement Officer Remembered at 35

Chase Parker Young, 35, an Army National Guard veteran and longtime law enforcement officer from Arkansas, has died in October 2026. He is being remembered by his family, colleagues, fellow service members, and friends for his dedication to serving his country and community.

Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Chase was the son of Johnny and Jodie Young. He graduated from Southside High School, where he participated in the school band and competed on the varsity wrestling team.

Military Service

After high school, Chase joined the Army National Guard and served as a Military Police soldier. His military career included several overseas deployments and earned him recognition for his service.

Among his decorations were the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

After completing two terms with the Army National Guard, Chase continued his commitment to public service by entering law enforcement.

Law Enforcement Career

Chase began his career with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office in May 2013 as a Correctional Officer at the Crawford County Detention Center. He eventually attained the rank of Detention Sergeant.

In 2016, he became a Patrol Deputy and was promoted to Corporal in 2019. That same year, he became a Certified Field Training Officer and was promoted to Patrol Sergeant.

In 2021, Chase moved to the Criminal Investigations Division, where he continued to advance. He also briefly served as Police Chief of the Kibler Police Department before returning to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.

In 2022, he joined the Drug Task Force as a Narcotics Officer and also served as a Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration. In 2025, he was promoted to Lieutenant in the Criminal Investigations Division.

Chase was also a member of the Crawford County SWAT Team and worked with the Internet Crimes Against Children Division.

In December 2025, he began a new career with the United States Forest Service. He was remembered fondly by fellow deputies, law enforcement colleagues, and classmates from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.

Family Remembered

Chase is survived by his parents, Johnny and Jodie Young, and his wife, Kelsey Young of Cedarville, Arkansas.

He was also a devoted father to his three children, Hadley Jo, Lauren, and Beau Young, whom his family described as the joys of his life and his finest accomplishments.

His extended family includes his brother Spencer Young and Spencer’s wife, Ciera; his in-laws Mark and Lynette Jones; brothers-in-law Caleb Jones and Bailey Jones, Jordan Jones and Morgan Jones, and their daughter Eden; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and other relatives.

His family described Chase as deeply loved by the many people who shared his life.

Chase Parker Young Funeral and Memorial Service

Visitation is scheduled for 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 will follow on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Van Buren First Assembly of God in Van Buren.

According to the family announcement, Chase will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Fort Smith National Cemetery.

The family has also created a memorial email address, RememberingChaseYoung@gmail.com, where friends and loved ones are invited to share personal stories and memories of Chase.

Chase’s Legacy of Service

Chase Parker Young dedicated much of his adult life to serving others. From his military service and overseas deployments to his years in corrections, patrol, criminal investigations, narcotics enforcement, and other law enforcement roles, his career reflected a sustained commitment to public safety.

His family also remembered the importance of his wife, children, and extended family in his life. Those closest to him will carry forward memories of his service, dedication, and love for the people around him.

Chase’s death is being mourned across the Army National Guard, law enforcement community, United States Forest Service, and among the many people whose lives he touched.

Rest now, Chase. We have the watch.