Mr. Karl David Youens

Mr. Karl David Youens, 70, of Columbus, passed away at St. David’s Hospital in Austin on March 31, 2016. Karl was born on July 13, 1945 at Hermann Hospital in Houston to Dr. William Thomas Youens, and Myrl “Bootsie” Rau Youens. He attended school in Columbus and graduated from Columbus High School in 1963 as a varsity athlete and state medalist in golf. A lifelong Longhorn and a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, Karl graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1967. He then studied anesthesia at Harris Hospital in Ft. Worth. Karl married Krystyna “Katie” Wright from Barnburgh, England on March 17, 1972. The same year he returned to live and raise his family in Columbus. He worked as an anesthetist in local hospitals including, Eagle Lake, El Campo, Hallettsville, and retired from Columbus Community Hospital after more than 25 years of service. In addition to working as a cattle rancher, Karl was a lifetime member of AQHA raising race quarter horses. Karl had a zest for life and resilience second to none. He never forgot a name and remembered every face. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially horseback riding, hunting and fishing and was an avid golfer. He liked to gamble and lived life at a nolimit table, but most joy in life came from spending time with his grandkids. Karl and his family are incredibly grateful to a strong network of dedicated friends and family for their love and support throughout his life and during this difficult time. He is survived by two sons, daughter-in-law, and five grandchildren; Mark and Kiesha Youens, Campbell, Riley and Graham of La Grange; Nick Youens, Sloan and Colt of Columbus; sister Carolyn Hastedt of Columbus; brother and sister-in-law William T. “Billy” and Paula Youens of Bella Vista, AR; sister Janet Wolters of  Fredericksburg; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother- in-law, Joe Hastedt. The funeral service was held at Henneke Funeral, Columbus, Texas, on Monday, April 4, 2016 at 2 p.m. with Dr. Thomas B. Hancher officiating and Rev. Robert C. Waddle leading prayer. Visitation was held at Henneke Funeral Home, Columbus, Texas, Sunday, from 5 to 7 p.m. and Monday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Burial was held in Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery, Columbus, Texas. Serving as pallbearers are; cousins Herman Wehner, Doug Rau, Tom Rau, Joe Rau, John Rau, Vance Youens, and lifelong friend Clifton Tyler. Honorary pallbearers are; Louis Cranek, Charlie Copeland, Darrell Rau, George Dixon Berger, Jim Pat Berger, Ricky Berger, Chris Stein and David Willbern. Memorial donations may be made to: MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210-4486 or www.mdanderson.org/tributes. Please include the gift is in memory of Karl Youens. Online condolences can be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com. Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus was in charge of arrangements.