LCpl. Dalton Wyatt Young, 21, of Christiansburg VA left our lives way too soon. Loved ones who will forever remember him and cherish his memory are his parents, Ottie and Marti Young; brother, Dakota Young; brother and sister-in-law, Ryan and Kelli Combs; sister, Starr Young (Cam Sutphin). Known as ‘Uncle D’ to nephews, Maxton and Stetson Combs; niece, Jovie Combs. Grandparents, James and Mary Whetzel; Shirley Young (the late David Young); uncle, Jim Whetzel; uncle and aunt, Heath and Tanya Young. Numerous great aunts, great uncles and cousins; Marine Brother and Best Friend, Sgt. Foster Williams. 

Dalton had a brilliant mind that moved at high speed. Ideas came to him with ease, yet faster than he could complete them. He was always tinkering with something and considered it a challenge to take a perfectly working item, disassemble it, add his improvements, reassemble it and gleamed with joy while he demonstrated its improvements. As an Explosives Engineer in the Marines, this too fed his obsession to work with his hands and create more ideas for improvement.

Dalton had a colorful taste in music, the louder the better. He lived his motto of “I’d rather try and fail, than never try at all.” He had a passion for speed, either in his Miata or on his motorcycle. His favorite accomplishment, other than earning his Eagle, Globe and Anchor was Whitney, his dream vehicle, F350 diesel he paid for on his own. You would often find him in his right hand drive 5 speed Kei truck Katie. He shared so many stories of strangers making odd looks as he drove around town.

Dalton always enjoyed a good fire. It was a requirement to have hotdogs, no buns and smores; then he’d relax for hours sitting nearby. His comedic personality kept us all laughing until we couldn’t laugh anymore. His mischievous spirt kept him busy teaching his nephews how to do things just enough to not get into trouble.

Dalton would go out of his way to help someone, regardless of the time or distance. He was always on some adventure with his Marine brother and best friend Foster. They’d often say “You really don’t want to know what we did.”

Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 at Horne Funeral Home. Memorial service with Military honors on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 will start at 10:00 in the Horne Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Peter Anderson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests monetary donations be sent to Horne Funeral Home, as a scholarship in his memory is already in process.

Dalton will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Semper Fidelis, forever live peacefully in Valhalla Marine.