Woodrow F. "Mutt" Young, was the 6th of 10 children born to Hermon Holmes Young (1880-1954) and Ida Lee (Warren) Young (1888-1971). He was born at Airville, Texas (near Davilla) Siblings included Ernest Clifton Young (1904-1946), Hermon Warren (1906-?), Lillie Mae (Young) Nelson (1908-1969); Frank Young (1910-?); Jeffie Irene (Young) McQueen (1914-1991); then W.F."Mutt" Young; followed by Mary Lee (Young) Hawkins (1919-2003); Ollie Eugene (Young) Kolar (1920-1998); Rufus Kendrick "Kim" Young (1922-1993) and Edith Winefred (Young)Young (1925-2005). Mutt attended Elementary School at Davilla, TX, up until he reached about the 7th Grade. He was a self-taught, intelligent man, who always worked hard & gave his best effort & expected the same from everyone around him. He never cared much for hunting or fishing - he enjoyed doing constructive things with his hands - from cooking, barbecuing & having house parties (as a young man) to whittling & the art of knot tying - he learned many, many knots & often braided whips, chair seats & belts. In the 1930's Mutt was employed as a Cook & Butcher on the CC Camps that helped to put people back to work & restore the Nation's Economy after the Depression. He had also worked in the Texas Oilfields as a Roughneck.
On Nov. 20, 1943 at the age of 28, he joined the U.S. Navy in Houston, TX & served first as a Seaman 2nd Class, advancing to Fireman 2nd Class, then promoted to Fireman 1st Class on August 29, 1944. During this time, "Tex" Young, (as he was called in the Navy) (Service No. 842-63-41) he participated in the assault & capture of Saipan Island, Mariannas Islands, on 6/15/1944. On July 24, 1944, he participated in the assault & capture of Tinian island, Mariannas Islands. Aboard the USS Ashland, F1C left the Marianas on July 28, 1944 & returned to Pearl Harbor. The ship then underwent repairs & held amphibious landing exercises before sailing with Task Group (TG) 33.1 for the assault on Yap and Ulithi Islands. USS Ashland was diverted to Manus Ilsand assigned to TF 79 & prepared for the invasion of the Philippines. The ship sailed on 10/14/1944 & launched boats on 10/20/1944 for the first assault on Leyte. This battle is considered the Largest Naval Battle in WWII History. USS Ashland left the combat area on 10/22/1944 & proceeded to Hollandia, New Guinea. There, troops were transported to the Philippines & after delivery to Leyte, the ship returned to Hollandia, New Guinea on November 21, 1944. On 11/27/1944, F1C Young was transferred to Norfolk, VA to later serve on the USS Everett F Larson, DD830 in Boston, MA. On board for the commissioning services held April 6, 1945, F1C Young sailed from Boston on August 1, 1945 for the Pacific, arriving in Tokyo Bay on September 29, 1945. F1C Young, while on the USS Larson, participated in the landing of marines at Taku, China. Schools attended while in the Navy: Amphibitious Training School and Landing Craft School. Medals received: WWII Victory Medal; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal (1 Bronze Star); and an Honorable Service Lapel Pin with an Honorable Discharge Button. Foreign Awards included the Philippine Liberation Ribbon (1 Bronze Star) and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. During his Military Service, he served on the USS Ashland, USS Calamares & the USS Everett F. Larson. A plaque commemorating Fireman First Class Woodrow F. Young's WWII Service, in particular for his service during the greatest Naval Battle fought in WWII, "Battle of Leyte Gulf", can be seen at the National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg, TX and online at www.PacificWarMuseum.org.
Following W.F. Young's Honorable Discharge on Dec. 20, 1945, from Camp Wallace (Galveston, TX), he returned to Boston, to marry Augustina (Christina) Helen Bennett at Medford, MA, on April 15, 1946 (civil ceremony). On May 16, 1947, they had their 1st son, Robert Louis Young. About 1950, they moved to Texas & later had 4 more children: Valerie Rose (Young) Kelton (1951), twins: Leo Edward & William Frances (aka Bill) (1956); and Janice Marie (1958).
Mutt Young was a very tall man - 6'4", but was very agile & well built - he earned his living as a Iron Worker with the ability to climb tall buildings with no fear of heights - he later became a Union Steward for National Iron Workers Local #84 representing his Union Co-Workers on many job sites in Downtown Houston & the surrounding Gulf Coast Area. Some of the companies he worked for were: W.W. Kellog; Ford, Bacon & Davis, C.F. Braun; The Fluor Corporation; and Stone & Webster - the last large construction job was building the Bethlehem Steel Mill in Baytown, TX. He stayed in the Union long enough to earn his 25 Year Silver Pin. He was also an active Member of Foreign War Post 8930 in Denver Harbor, TX. In 1974, he was diagnosed with Lung Cancer - even though he had quit smoking almost 17 years prior - he passed away on his 59th Birthday at the Veteran's Hospital in Houston, TX. Mutt Young will always be remembered for his Love of God, Family & Country - before he died, he had read the Bible over 17 times! In his younger years, he lived hard, worked hard & drank hard; but as he matured and grew in age - he also grew in wisdom and turned that "hardness" into "strength of character". Mutt Young was always outspoken, honest & a man of true integrity & honor - he worked hard to pay his bills & hated to be in debt to anyone. Before he died, he paid off his home & vehicles & left absolutely no debt. For an uneducated, country-boy, that was an achievement. This hard-working, honest man, was not famous or well-known, but to me and my family - he was like the King & His rules were final - no arguments, no questions, no excuses. This man was my Dad & I am very proud of him. Valerie R. (Young) Kelton, May, TX, Jan., 2007 (Friendship Cemetery is located on FM 1915 south of Buckholts, Texas).
Obituary from the Houston Chronicle, Feb. 26, 1975: "WOODROW FERGUSON YOUNG, 59, of 8205 Cowart Street. Member of Resurrection Catholic Church. Veteran of Foreign War Post 8930 and National Iron Workers Local 84. Survivors: Wife, Christina Young; sons, Robert L. Young, William F. Young, Leo E. Young; daughers, Ms. Janice Young, Mrs. Valerie Martin, three sisters, one brother. Services 7:30 p.m. Wednesday Howard Glendale Chapel, with Rev. Carlson. Overland to Rogers, Texas for services and burial. Howard Glendale Funeral Directors, 1015 Federal, 672-9431."
On Nov. 20, 1943 at the age of 28, he joined the U.S. Navy in Houston, TX & served first as a Seaman 2nd Class, advancing to Fireman 2nd Class, then promoted to Fireman 1st Class on August 29, 1944. During this time, "Tex" Young, (as he was called in the Navy) (Service No. 842-63-41) he participated in the assault & capture of Saipan Island, Mariannas Islands, on 6/15/1944. On July 24, 1944, he participated in the assault & capture of Tinian island, Mariannas Islands. Aboard the USS Ashland, F1C left the Marianas on July 28, 1944 & returned to Pearl Harbor. The ship then underwent repairs & held amphibious landing exercises before sailing with Task Group (TG) 33.1 for the assault on Yap and Ulithi Islands. USS Ashland was diverted to Manus Ilsand assigned to TF 79 & prepared for the invasion of the Philippines. The ship sailed on 10/14/1944 & launched boats on 10/20/1944 for the first assault on Leyte. This battle is considered the Largest Naval Battle in WWII History. USS Ashland left the combat area on 10/22/1944 & proceeded to Hollandia, New Guinea. There, troops were transported to the Philippines & after delivery to Leyte, the ship returned to Hollandia, New Guinea on November 21, 1944. On 11/27/1944, F1C Young was transferred to Norfolk, VA to later serve on the USS Everett F Larson, DD830 in Boston, MA. On board for the commissioning services held April 6, 1945, F1C Young sailed from Boston on August 1, 1945 for the Pacific, arriving in Tokyo Bay on September 29, 1945. F1C Young, while on the USS Larson, participated in the landing of marines at Taku, China. Schools attended while in the Navy: Amphibitious Training School and Landing Craft School. Medals received: WWII Victory Medal; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal (1 Bronze Star); and an Honorable Service Lapel Pin with an Honorable Discharge Button. Foreign Awards included the Philippine Liberation Ribbon (1 Bronze Star) and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. During his Military Service, he served on the USS Ashland, USS Calamares & the USS Everett F. Larson. A plaque commemorating Fireman First Class Woodrow F. Young's WWII Service, in particular for his service during the greatest Naval Battle fought in WWII, "Battle of Leyte Gulf", can be seen at the National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg, TX and online at www.PacificWarMuseum.org.
Following W.F. Young's Honorable Discharge on Dec. 20, 1945, from Camp Wallace (Galveston, TX), he returned to Boston, to marry Augustina (Christina) Helen Bennett at Medford, MA, on April 15, 1946 (civil ceremony). On May 16, 1947, they had their 1st son, Robert Louis Young. About 1950, they moved to Texas & later had 4 more children: Valerie Rose (Young) Kelton (1951), twins: Leo Edward & William Frances (aka Bill) (1956); and Janice Marie (1958).
Mutt Young was a very tall man - 6'4", but was very agile & well built - he earned his living as a Iron Worker with the ability to climb tall buildings with no fear of heights - he later became a Union Steward for National Iron Workers Local #84 representing his Union Co-Workers on many job sites in Downtown Houston & the surrounding Gulf Coast Area. Some of the companies he worked for were: W.W. Kellog; Ford, Bacon & Davis, C.F. Braun; The Fluor Corporation; and Stone & Webster - the last large construction job was building the Bethlehem Steel Mill in Baytown, TX. He stayed in the Union long enough to earn his 25 Year Silver Pin. He was also an active Member of Foreign War Post 8930 in Denver Harbor, TX. In 1974, he was diagnosed with Lung Cancer - even though he had quit smoking almost 17 years prior - he passed away on his 59th Birthday at the Veteran's Hospital in Houston, TX. Mutt Young will always be remembered for his Love of God, Family & Country - before he died, he had read the Bible over 17 times! In his younger years, he lived hard, worked hard & drank hard; but as he matured and grew in age - he also grew in wisdom and turned that "hardness" into "strength of character". Mutt Young was always outspoken, honest & a man of true integrity & honor - he worked hard to pay his bills & hated to be in debt to anyone. Before he died, he paid off his home & vehicles & left absolutely no debt. For an uneducated, country-boy, that was an achievement. This hard-working, honest man, was not famous or well-known, but to me and my family - he was like the King & His rules were final - no arguments, no questions, no excuses. This man was my Dad & I am very proud of him. Valerie R. (Young) Kelton, May, TX, Jan., 2007 (Friendship Cemetery is located on FM 1915 south of Buckholts, Texas).
Obituary from the Houston Chronicle, Feb. 26, 1975: "WOODROW FERGUSON YOUNG, 59, of 8205 Cowart Street. Member of Resurrection Catholic Church. Veteran of Foreign War Post 8930 and National Iron Workers Local 84. Survivors: Wife, Christina Young; sons, Robert L. Young, William F. Young, Leo E. Young; daughers, Ms. Janice Young, Mrs. Valerie Martin, three sisters, one brother. Services 7:30 p.m. Wednesday Howard Glendale Chapel, with Rev. Carlson. Overland to Rogers, Texas for services and burial. Howard Glendale Funeral Directors, 1015 Federal, 672-9431."
Woodrow F. "Mutt" Young, was the 6th of 10 children born to Hermon Holmes Young (1880-1954) and Ida Lee (Warren) Young (1888-1971). He was born at Airville, Texas (near Davilla) Siblings included Ernest Clifton Young (1904-1946), Hermon Warren (1906-?), Lillie Mae (Young) Nelson (1908-1969); Frank Young (1910-?); Jeffie Irene (Young) McQueen (1914-1991); then W.F."Mutt" Young; followed by Mary Lee (Young) Hawkins (1919-2003); Ollie Eugene (Young) Kolar (1920-1998); Rufus Kendrick "Kim" Young (1922-1993) and Edith Winefred (Young)Young (1925-2005). Mutt attended Elementary School at Davilla, TX, up until he reached about the 7th Grade. He was a self-taught, intelligent man, who always worked hard & gave his best effort & expected the same from everyone around him. He never cared much for hunting or fishing - he enjoyed doing constructive things with his hands - from cooking, barbecuing & having house parties (as a young man) to whittling & the art of knot tying - he learned many, many knots & often braided whips, chair seats & belts. In the 1930's Mutt was employed as a Cook & Butcher on the CC Camps that helped to put people back to work & restore the Nation's Economy after the Depression. He had also worked in the Texas Oilfields as a Roughneck.
On Nov. 20, 1943 at the age of 28, he joined the U.S. Navy in Houston, TX & served first as a Seaman 2nd Class, advancing to Fireman 2nd Class, then promoted to Fireman 1st Class on August 29, 1944. During this time, "Tex" Young, (as he was called in the Navy) (Service No. 842-63-41) he participated in the assault & capture of Saipan Island, Mariannas Islands, on 6/15/1944. On July 24, 1944, he participated in the assault & capture of Tinian island, Mariannas Islands. Aboard the USS Ashland, F1C left the Marianas on July 28, 1944 & returned to Pearl Harbor. The ship then underwent repairs & held amphibious landing exercises before sailing with Task Group (TG) 33.1 for the assault on Yap and Ulithi Islands. USS Ashland was diverted to Manus Ilsand assigned to TF 79 & prepared for the invasion of the Philippines. The ship sailed on 10/14/1944 & launched boats on 10/20/1944 for the first assault on Leyte. This battle is considered the Largest Naval Battle in WWII History. USS Ashland left the combat area on 10/22/1944 & proceeded to Hollandia, New Guinea. There, troops were transported to the Philippines & after delivery to Leyte, the ship returned to Hollandia, New Guinea on November 21, 1944. On 11/27/1944, F1C Young was transferred to Norfolk, VA to later serve on the USS Everett F Larson, DD830 in Boston, MA. On board for the commissioning services held April 6, 1945, F1C Young sailed from Boston on August 1, 1945 for the Pacific, arriving in Tokyo Bay on September 29, 1945. F1C Young, while on the USS Larson, participated in the landing of marines at Taku, China. Schools attended while in the Navy: Amphibitious Training School and Landing Craft School. Medals received: WWII Victory Medal; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal (1 Bronze Star); and an Honorable Service Lapel Pin with an Honorable Discharge Button. Foreign Awards included the Philippine Liberation Ribbon (1 Bronze Star) and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. During his Military Service, he served on the USS Ashland, USS Calamares & the USS Everett F. Larson. A plaque commemorating Fireman First Class Woodrow F. Young's WWII Service, in particular for his service during the greatest Naval Battle fought in WWII, "Battle of Leyte Gulf", can be seen at the National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg, TX and online at www.PacificWarMuseum.org.
Following W.F. Young's Honorable Discharge on Dec. 20, 1945, from Camp Wallace (Galveston, TX), he returned to Boston, to marry Augustina (Christina) Helen Bennett at Medford, MA, on April 15, 1946 (civil ceremony). On May 16, 1947, they had their 1st son, Robert Louis Young. About 1950, they moved to Texas & later had 4 more children: Valerie Rose (Young) Kelton (1951), twins: Leo Edward & William Frances (aka Bill) (1956); and Janice Marie (1958).
Mutt Young was a very tall man - 6'4", but was very agile & well built - he earned his living as a Iron Worker with the ability to climb tall buildings with no fear of heights - he later became a Union Steward for National Iron Workers Local #84 representing his Union Co-Workers on many job sites in Downtown Houston & the surrounding Gulf Coast Area. Some of the companies he worked for were: W.W. Kellog; Ford, Bacon & Davis, C.F. Braun; The Fluor Corporation; and Stone & Webster - the last large construction job was building the Bethlehem Steel Mill in Baytown, TX. He stayed in the Union long enough to earn his 25 Year Silver Pin. He was also an active Member of Foreign War Post 8930 in Denver Harbor, TX. In 1974, he was diagnosed with Lung Cancer - even though he had quit smoking almost 17 years prior - he passed away on his 59th Birthday at the Veteran's Hospital in Houston, TX. Mutt Young will always be remembered for his Love of God, Family & Country - before he died, he had read the Bible over 17 times! In his younger years, he lived hard, worked hard & drank hard; but as he matured and grew in age - he also grew in wisdom and turned that "hardness" into "strength of character". Mutt Young was always outspoken, honest & a man of true integrity & honor - he worked hard to pay his bills & hated to be in debt to anyone. Before he died, he paid off his home & vehicles & left absolutely no debt. For an uneducated, country-boy, that was an achievement. This hard-working, honest man, was not famous or well-known, but to me and my family - he was like the King & His rules were final - no arguments, no questions, no excuses. This man was my Dad & I am very proud of him. Valerie R. (Young) Kelton, May, TX, Jan., 2007 (Friendship Cemetery is located on FM 1915 south of Buckholts, Texas).
Obituary from the Houston Chronicle, Feb. 26, 1975: "WOODROW FERGUSON YOUNG, 59, of 8205 Cowart Street. Member of Resurrection Catholic Church. Veteran of Foreign War Post 8930 and National Iron Workers Local 84. Survivors: Wife, Christina Young; sons, Robert L. Young, William F. Young, Leo E. Young; daughers, Ms. Janice Young, Mrs. Valerie Martin, three sisters, one brother. Services 7:30 p.m. Wednesday Howard Glendale Chapel, with Rev. Carlson. Overland to Rogers, Texas for services and burial. Howard Glendale Funeral Directors, 1015 Federal, 672-9431."
On Nov. 20, 1943 at the age of 28, he joined the U.S. Navy in Houston, TX & served first as a Seaman 2nd Class, advancing to Fireman 2nd Class, then promoted to Fireman 1st Class on August 29, 1944. During this time, "Tex" Young, (as he was called in the Navy) (Service No. 842-63-41) he participated in the assault & capture of Saipan Island, Mariannas Islands, on 6/15/1944. On July 24, 1944, he participated in the assault & capture of Tinian island, Mariannas Islands. Aboard the USS Ashland, F1C left the Marianas on July 28, 1944 & returned to Pearl Harbor. The ship then underwent repairs & held amphibious landing exercises before sailing with Task Group (TG) 33.1 for the assault on Yap and Ulithi Islands. USS Ashland was diverted to Manus Ilsand assigned to TF 79 & prepared for the invasion of the Philippines. The ship sailed on 10/14/1944 & launched boats on 10/20/1944 for the first assault on Leyte. This battle is considered the Largest Naval Battle in WWII History. USS Ashland left the combat area on 10/22/1944 & proceeded to Hollandia, New Guinea. There, troops were transported to the Philippines & after delivery to Leyte, the ship returned to Hollandia, New Guinea on November 21, 1944. On 11/27/1944, F1C Young was transferred to Norfolk, VA to later serve on the USS Everett F Larson, DD830 in Boston, MA. On board for the commissioning services held April 6, 1945, F1C Young sailed from Boston on August 1, 1945 for the Pacific, arriving in Tokyo Bay on September 29, 1945. F1C Young, while on the USS Larson, participated in the landing of marines at Taku, China. Schools attended while in the Navy: Amphibitious Training School and Landing Craft School. Medals received: WWII Victory Medal; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal (1 Bronze Star); and an Honorable Service Lapel Pin with an Honorable Discharge Button. Foreign Awards included the Philippine Liberation Ribbon (1 Bronze Star) and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. During his Military Service, he served on the USS Ashland, USS Calamares & the USS Everett F. Larson. A plaque commemorating Fireman First Class Woodrow F. Young's WWII Service, in particular for his service during the greatest Naval Battle fought in WWII, "Battle of Leyte Gulf", can be seen at the National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg, TX and online at www.PacificWarMuseum.org.
Following W.F. Young's Honorable Discharge on Dec. 20, 1945, from Camp Wallace (Galveston, TX), he returned to Boston, to marry Augustina (Christina) Helen Bennett at Medford, MA, on April 15, 1946 (civil ceremony). On May 16, 1947, they had their 1st son, Robert Louis Young. About 1950, they moved to Texas & later had 4 more children: Valerie Rose (Young) Kelton (1951), twins: Leo Edward & William Frances (aka Bill) (1956); and Janice Marie (1958).
Mutt Young was a very tall man - 6'4", but was very agile & well built - he earned his living as a Iron Worker with the ability to climb tall buildings with no fear of heights - he later became a Union Steward for National Iron Workers Local #84 representing his Union Co-Workers on many job sites in Downtown Houston & the surrounding Gulf Coast Area. Some of the companies he worked for were: W.W. Kellog; Ford, Bacon & Davis, C.F. Braun; The Fluor Corporation; and Stone & Webster - the last large construction job was building the Bethlehem Steel Mill in Baytown, TX. He stayed in the Union long enough to earn his 25 Year Silver Pin. He was also an active Member of Foreign War Post 8930 in Denver Harbor, TX. In 1974, he was diagnosed with Lung Cancer - even though he had quit smoking almost 17 years prior - he passed away on his 59th Birthday at the Veteran's Hospital in Houston, TX. Mutt Young will always be remembered for his Love of God, Family & Country - before he died, he had read the Bible over 17 times! In his younger years, he lived hard, worked hard & drank hard; but as he matured and grew in age - he also grew in wisdom and turned that "hardness" into "strength of character". Mutt Young was always outspoken, honest & a man of true integrity & honor - he worked hard to pay his bills & hated to be in debt to anyone. Before he died, he paid off his home & vehicles & left absolutely no debt. For an uneducated, country-boy, that was an achievement. This hard-working, honest man, was not famous or well-known, but to me and my family - he was like the King & His rules were final - no arguments, no questions, no excuses. This man was my Dad & I am very proud of him. Valerie R. (Young) Kelton, May, TX, Jan., 2007 (Friendship Cemetery is located on FM 1915 south of Buckholts, Texas).
Obituary from the Houston Chronicle, Feb. 26, 1975: "WOODROW FERGUSON YOUNG, 59, of 8205 Cowart Street. Member of Resurrection Catholic Church. Veteran of Foreign War Post 8930 and National Iron Workers Local 84. Survivors: Wife, Christina Young; sons, Robert L. Young, William F. Young, Leo E. Young; daughers, Ms. Janice Young, Mrs. Valerie Martin, three sisters, one brother. Services 7:30 p.m. Wednesday Howard Glendale Chapel, with Rev. Carlson. Overland to Rogers, Texas for services and burial. Howard Glendale Funeral Directors, 1015 Federal, 672-9431."
Family Members
Siblings
