1925 – 2013

SOUTH PARIS — The Rev. Melvin “Mel” R. Young, born April 28, 1925, was received by his Savior on Monday, Dec. 16, at the age of 88.

Mel spent his childhood on a farm with his mom and dad and four sisters. As a young man, Mel met — from his hometown of Orrington — a young lady, Carrie E. Smith, whom he fell deeply in love with. During World War II, he was called to duty and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. They made plans to be married after his service.

Mel was an avid cook on board the ship; his crewmates loved the meals he prepared for them during their journey through the Pacific. Soon they arrived at the battle of Okinawa, Japan. During this battle, Mel was assigned to fire the ship’s guns at enemy planes and ships. He received five medals for his bravery and dedication, and was honorably discharged in April 1946. His ship, the USS Teton, was the first to dock at Tokyo Bay on Sept. 1, 1945, and was there during the signing of the Japanese surrender.

Upon returning home, he married Carrie and had three children, whom they both cherished: a daughter, Earlene R. Hart, of Augusta; and two sons, David A. Young and his wife, Joyce, and Calvin R. Young and his wife, Mitzi, all of Oxford. Mel was employed as a shoe salesman in Bangor/Brewer for a time, then the family moved to a home in Augusta, where he got a job at W.T. Grants.

He studied the Bible for many years and became an ordained minister. He left his job to accept his calling to preach as reverend at Oxford Congregational Church in Oxford and Otisfield Baptist Church. He later gave comfort to members and the community of Canton Church as its reverend, until his retirement.

Mel loved giving comfort, support, hope, love and spiritual help to anyone he could. He also loved camping, art, painting, woodcarving and cooking. He enjoyed the company of his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many other friends, whom he loved dearly. After many decades of wonderful memories and good times, he lost his beloved wife, Carrie, in February 2001. Later, he met his second love, Florence McLaughlin; they were married and spent more than a decade of caring, sharing and love within the community.

They were both members of the VFW Post 9787, American Legion Post 72 and Florence (age 89) is still actively involved to this very day. Mel was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge 217 in Orrington and attended meetings at the South Paris lodge for many years. He spent well over a year as a resident at the Maine Veterans’ Home, where he received an incredible extension of his life, because of the loving dedication and care given to him from its wonderful nurses, doctors and staff.

My Dad passed peacefully away on this sunny December afternoon, with his faithful, loving wife and family by his side. May God bless you all and many thanks to all those who knew him or whose life was touched by this remarkable man. Rest in peace, Dad; let the power and light from your spiritual path help to guide us all, for someday we, too, will need to cross.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.