Claude Thomas Young, Sr., 85, of South Charleston, went home Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at Thomas Memorial Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed & Dorothy Young, brother, John Young and sister, Linda Hill.
He was the area service man for AEP with 37 years service where he was well known as “the power company man”. He served in the US Army during the Korean War, coached little league baseball in Ruthdale, loved WVU football, hunting at the cabin, and most of all spending time with family. He was a member of South Charleston Christian Church.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patty Jo, sons, Tom (Denise Beard) Young, Jr., Mark (Renee) Young and David (Tricia) Young; grandchildren, Justin (Jessica) Young, Ashton (Drew) Holbrook, Ryan, Brett, David, Grant and Sean Young; and great-grandchildren, Keith Rose, Savannah and Connor Young He is also survived by his brothers, Jim Young, R.E. “Gene” Young, M.D., and Jack Young; sisters, Jane Bowling and Mary Bobbitt, and sister-in-law, Patty Ann Young.
In the words of his favorite granddaughter, Ashton: There has never been a better man to walk this earth. He was the kindest, gentlest, strongest man I’ve ever known. He was my very biggest fan, and I his. He loved his family and worshipped the ground my grandmother walked on until the very end. He taught us life lessons and taught us to play games. He didn’t believe in taking his shoes off in the house. He did believe in singing, cigars, giving compliments, deer hunting, and dippin’ eggs. I’ll always cherish the time spent sitting together on the porch swing and ‘helping’ him work in his shed. Nothing was better than piling in the trailer connected to the tractor with Brett and Ryan and riding to the gas station to get slushees and candy. It’s hard to imagine I won’t hug him again or hear him say, “There’s my girl!” every time I visit. I’ll miss him more than words can possibly say. We love you, Papaw. “He loved us not because we were lovable, but because he is love.”
There will be no services. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
Also visit youtube memorial tribute by “Ashton Young Really Livin”.
So sorry for your incredible loss, Big Tom was one of a kind and will be missed by so many. The summers I spent with his family and deer season at the cabin were always great times. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
Love you all
Ed, Marsha, Joey, Erin and Emma Young
I share the memories of Big Tom, strong & gentle. I remember his quote from the cabin,”this is really livin”. The Young family reunions were a cherished fun time. I feel your loss. May we all find peace & comfort in those precious memories.
Thoughts and prayers to the entire Young family. May fond memories help comfort you in the coming days.