September 6, 1925 ~ December 7, 2017
Wilbur Young, USN Ret., 92, passed away peacefully and with dignity in Reno, NV, on December 7, 2017 at Rosewood Skilled Nursing/Rehab Center, where he had been in the care of Circle of Life Hospice. He had been in a state of declining health for several years. Mr. Young was preceded in death by his wife of 62-years, Donna, in 2012. He is survived by two sons, Rick of Canyon Country, CA, and Scott of Reno, NV, as well as five grandchildren, six great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends all around the world and his dog, Mila. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Wilbur Merideth Young was born on September 6, 1925 in Oakdale, Nebraska. At 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, in which he served for 20-years. During that time, Mr. Young participated in three major conflicts – World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He retired with the rank of E-7 (Chief Petty Officer) in 1962, then worked for Naval Public Works for many years after that. He was also a successful businessman before finally retiring with his wife in 1988.
Mr. Young was a member of many organizations, including the VFW, the NRA and the Sons of the American Revolution. At the time of his death, his youngest son was working on completing his application to the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. Unfortunately, his membership in that organization will be posthumous.
During his lifetime, Bill Young was involved in many activities and interests. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, a voracious reader, an eternal tinkerer and an accomplished cook. At various times, he also enjoyed world music, card games with friends, model building, jewelry making and being a gunsmith. Most of all, though, he enjoyed being a “lifetime learner,” attending or listening to lectures on a multitude of subjects that included culinary arts, world religions, science, astronomy, mathematics, philosophy and more.
As per his request, no funeral is planned, but his youngest son, who had been his caregiver for the past 7-years, will hold a memorial service in the spring that will be open to family, friends and acquaintances who wish to attend. Mr. Young asked that in lieu of flowers or gifts, donations be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or Disabled American Vets (DAV).
