Donald J. Youngblood

Our superhero and legend, Donald J. Youngblood, age 78, from Farmington, Utah, gained his turbo-charged angel wings on 04/24/2024. He left peacefully while surrounded by his family. 

Don was born in Holbrook, Arizona, and then moved to Bountiful, Utah as a young child. He met his high school sweetheart, Sherry, at Bountiful High School, and they have been together ever since (60+ years). He attended Weber State University, got a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, and worked as a Defense Auditor for the Federal Government for 30+ years. When he was eligible to retire, he was out of there and never looked back. Although he was “retired,” he spent all day at his shop in Centerville, maintaining his car collection and giving regular tours to those interested. From the time he was a kid, he loved cars and everything to do with them. He started collecting cars at a very young age and has been building, restoring, and enjoying them ever since, always including his family throughout the process. Don specialized in Model A's and 1932 Ford’s, his favorite being the Victoria. 

He cherished the opportunity he had for several years to help many young boys achieve their Eagle Scout Award, most importantly, his son. He later inspired and helped two of his grandsons accomplish the same award. He got the nickname ‘Youngblood-Hound’ due to his persistent nature of seeking them out, wherever they might be and whatever they might be doing, to ensure they were on task. Don coached countless little league baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, and tennis teams with championships in Utah and League City, Texas. 

Those who were lucky enough to know Don loved and respected him. He was an extremely hard worker and could be a wee bit stubborn at times, but that’s because he was right most of the time, or at least that’s what he thought.

His passion for building and racing cars led him to achieve so many awards and accomplishments throughout his lifetime. Some of the most prestigious was touring the country with his 1932 3-window (Daddy's Duece) in the 60s, winning multiple awards across five decades at the Salt Lake City Autorama, including Utah’s Finest on two different occasions. He currently holds multiple land speed world records in various classes and in multiple cars. His dream of entering his family into the coveted 200 MPH Club happened in 2018. His most recent induction into the Utah Hot Rod Hall of Fame in 2022 meant the world to him. He also received a SEMA Top 5, Master Builder, Utah Top 10, and 2020 CASI Cup Awards. Don was a 4th-degree Kenpo black belt and sensei to thousands of kids and adults, including his family, teaching from his Dojo in Bountiful. 

His passion for cars also led to countless friendships. He became a father figure to those who needed it, a companion to those who were alone, a brother to call on, and a mentor to the lost. He was the most dependable and loyal friend once you were in his life and world. Don always looked forward to Saturday lunches at his shop with his buddies, Wendy’s on Thursdays, and catching up with old friends any chance he got. When his hot rod friends came from out of town to race at the Salt Flats, he hosted lunches to welcome them to town and start off a great week of racing. In his younger years, you’d always find him playing golf, softball, and racquetball (he won several championships with his doubles partner, Hal). 

He was an extremely smart and organized man and loved a good flow chart. He was also very frugal. Not many people reuse garbage bags and paper plates, but Don did. He was a collector of Hot Wheels, coins, baseball and basketball cards, guns, and so much more. Don loved all his things; no matter how broken something was, he wouldn’t throw it away. He would repurpose it. He would barter relentlessly with others to get a good deal, yet his own things were worth 4X their actual value to him, which led to rarely parting ways with anything he had. 

It’s next to impossible to summarize this man’s life. He accomplished so much and touched so many. But above all else, this man loved his family fiercely. He will be forever missed, and his legacy will live on with a vengeance! 

Don is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sherry Mitchell Youngblood; his kids Ali (Ty), JD (Tausha), and Kim (Morgan); his sister Karen; and nine grandchildren, CJ, Kylee, Kyson, Jaydee, Cord, Declan, Dawson, Sawyer, and Samara. 

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Hamilton Foutz Youngblood & Mary Juanita Jacobson Youngblood, brothers Charles Youngblood and Gordon Youngblood, and many, many dear hot-rodding friends.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 1476 North 300 West in Bountiful, Utah. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:45 am. Funeral services will start at noon, with graveside services to follow at the Bountiful Cemetery located at 2224 South 200 West.

We encourage all who attend to drive their favorite hot rod, new or old, and dress how Don would dress. In addition, if you have special stories and would like to share them, please write them down and bring them with you to put in Don’s hot rod. There will be some time to share them publicly if you’d like. 

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