Donna Joan Koch Young, age 91, of Texarkana/Leary, Texas, departed this life and joined her Heavenly Father on January 3, 2026. She was born on January 24, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, to Walter and Esther Koch, and lived a long, full life devoted to her faith, family, and service to others.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Mitchell Michael Young, M.D.; her oldest son, Michael Joseph Young, M.D.; her parents, Walter and Esther Koch; and her brothers, Terry Koch and David Koch.
She is survived by nine of her ten children: Mark Young, M.D., of Dallas, TX; Lesa Ann Young of Hot Springs, AR; Thomas (Kathleen) Young, M.D., of Texarkana, TX; Mary Ellen Young, Ed.D., of Texarkana, TX; David (Karen) Young, M.D., of Fredericksburg, TX; Christopher (Tonya) Young, M.D., of Hot Springs, AR; John (Heather) Young, M.D., of Mountain Brook, AL; Matthew (Cindy) Young, M.D., of Texarkana, TX; and Patrick (Corinne) Young, D.V.M., of Bend, OR.
Donna was the proud grandmother of 30 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, with four additional great-grandchildren expected in 2026. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many “adopted” children who she loved as her own, and they consider her as their “second Mom”.
Donna and Mitchell were married on May 24, 1955. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Bangkok, Thailand, where Mitchell was stationed as a physician in the United States Air Force and Donna began her devotion as a loving wife and mother. After returning to Texas, they eventually settled in Texarkana, Texas, where they raised their family of ten children.
Donna dedicated her life to her family, faith, and service. She was deeply involved in scouting, education, and community volunteer work, and was honored with the Silver Beaver Award for her service to the Boy Scouts of America. Her encouragement and support made it possible for all ten of her children to achieve the highest rank in scouting – following in their father’s footsteps.
She served on the Board of Directors for the Literacy Council of Bowie & Miller Counties and was a member of Parent Texas Association (PTA) and Texarkana Medical Auxiliary, a charter member of Women for the Arts, and a Cub Scout Den Mother. She also taught aqua-aerobics for the American Arthritis Foundation. She worked as Patient Services Coordinator alongside her husband in his medical practice for over eight years. In her later years, she volunteered at St. Edward’s Catholic Church Outreach Center and remained devoted to her St. Edward’s and Sacred Heart Catholic Church communities.
The Young family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Texarkana and Southern Caregivers, and especially to Rita, Joaquin, and Marisol for their extraordinary love, compassion, and devoted care.
The family also wishes to express sincere appreciation to Father Michael Adams for his spiritual guidance, prayers, and pastoral support, and to all who offered prayers, kindness, and support during this time.
A rosary will be held on Wednesday, January 7th at 5:30 p.m. at Texarkana Funeral Home Chapel, 3515 Texas Blvd., with family visitation to follow from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4505 Elizabeth Street, with burial following at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Edward’s Catholic Church Outreach Center http://www.saintedwardstexarkana.com/resources/online-giving/
Or Sacred Heart Catholic Church Now & Forever Capital Campaign https://www.givecentral.org/customizable-online-giving/850/event/35592