Haskell O'Neal Young, 91, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2023, at the Renaissance Assisted Living facility in Stillwater, OK. Haskell was born April 22, 1932, in Bellville, Oklahoma, the second oldest of four children born to George Thomas and Alpha Omega (Runnels) Young. At an early age Haskell's family moved to Tuskahoma, Oklahoma where he graduated High School in 1950. In fall 1950 he enrolled at Oklahoma A&M College (now Oklahoma State University) in Stillwater and pursued a degree in geology. His college study was placed on hold for two years' service in the U.S. Army with a discharge date of December 1954. He resumed study at Oklahoma A&M and was a awarded a B.S. degree in Geology in May 1957. The family sacrificed to send Haskell to college especially during the initial two years. He held part-time jobs throughout his college days to help the family pay for his education. His trips from Stillwater to Tuskahoma during the school years were infrequent but he missed family and made the trip as often as possible. Later in life he often told of his hitchhiking days traversing between Stillwater and Tuskahoma.

After college Haskell worked in sales positions in Oklahoma and Kansas. Two noteworthy events occurred in his life in Wichita, KS. It was there that he met Sandra Sue Buckley that sparked a romance leading to their marriage on March 7, 1969. Haskell and Sandra shared a strong love for each other that endured throughout their 55 years together. The second significant event was Haskell's acceptance of a position with Uarco Business Forms. Not long after joining Uarco he transferred to Houston, TX where he served the company with distinction until retirement in 1999. In 1978, Haskell added a second career as a cattle rancher. When his parents decided to retire in 1978 Haskell and Sandra purchased their ranch in western Love County near Courtney, OK. He initially managed the ranch with the help of his father, local hired help, and frequent weekends spent at the ranch. Haskell raised registered Santa Gertrudis cattle continuing the legacy of his parents. The operation expanded significantly in size in the decade or so following Haskell's purchase. Haskell was active in the Santa Gertrudis Breeder Association serving on the board of directors for several years. He was honored by the association for his dedicated service.

After his retirement from Uarco in 1999 Haskell remained active for several years in the ranching operation near Courtney. He and Sandra moved from Houston to southern Oklahoma in 2008. They lived in his deceased parents' home in Marietta, OK while overseeing construction of a new home in Ardmore, OK. Downsizing of the ranching operation occurred in the 2-3 years preceding the couple's move to Stillwater, OK in 2013.

Haskell was immensely proud of his parents and honored them throughout their lives. He and his sisters ensured the welfare of their parents as they aged. Haskell was caring and compassionate. He sought to help those in need. He consistently contributed to charitable causes because he considered it a duty to share with those in need. He leaves behind many friends who will miss him.
Haskell was preceded in death by his parents, brother Tommy Joe Young, and sister and brother-in-law Wanda and Edwin Smith, Sr. He is survived by his wife Sandra Young, an adopted daughter from a first marriage, Dona Rea Desmond, sister and brother-in-law Kathie and Charles Taliaferro, niece Edwina Smith, and nephews Edwin Smith, Jr., Brent Taliaferro, Jason Taliaferro, and Mark Taliaferro.

Strode Funeral Home (www.strodefh.com ) is in charge of the arrangements. The family will greet friends at the funeral home from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2023. Graveside funeral services will begin at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the Lakeview Cemetery, 10589 Cemetery Road, in Marietta, Oklahoma 73448.