Milton - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Earl J. Young, Sr., 84, at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Family and friends are invited for visitation at David Funeral Home of Lafayette on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and reopen on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 9:00 AM until services. A rosary will be prayed in the funeral home on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at 6:30 PM. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Milton, LA. Mr. Young died after a long infirmary due to a debilitating stroke in 2008. Earl was born in St. Louis, Missouri where he lived until he entered the U.S. Navy in 1942. He fought in both WWII and the Korean War. He also received The Chief of Naval Operations Leadership Award in 1960. During his service time he met and married a Milton, LA native, Leona Hebert. After completing twenty years of service to our country, he settled in Lafayette, LA with his family. Earl loved our Cajun country atmosphere. He became a tug boat captain for the next twenty-five years. After civilian retirement he remained very active with woodworking, gardening and babysitting his great grandchildren Hannah, Elizabeth and Garrett. He is survived by Leona, his devoted wife of fifty-three years; his son, Earl Young, Jr. and his wife Mindy of Duson; his step-daughter, whom he helped raise, Janice Currie of Wichita, KS and a granddaughter that he raised as his own, Katrina Janette and her husband Jeff of Lafayette. He is also leaving behind six additional grandchildren, Missy Harwell, Chad DeLacerda, Alex Currie, Jennifer, Hilary and Bailey Young and three step-grandchildren, Trent Trahan, Kayla and Taylor Arwood. He has twelve great grandchildren who will all miss their Poppy very much. He was preceded in death by his beloved step-daughter, Shelia Patterson of Lafayette. Her husband Cecil continues to reside here. During his infirmary, the family required assistance with his care. They would like to thank Amedysis Home Healths contract therapists and staff, the loving staff of Hospice of Acadiana, Julie Dubroc with Holy Cross and his personal attendant, Ms. Georgia Pomier for all the support given. Earl Young, Jr., Jeff Janette, Alex Currie, Glen Leblanc, Cecil Patterson and Michael LaHaye will serve as pallbearers. As per his request, TAPS will be played by his great granddaughter, Elizabeth Janette. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston St., Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503-3240, if desired. David Funeral Home of Lafayette, 316 Youngsville Highway, (337) 837-9887, is in charge of arrangements.
