Roland “Swede” Young left this world on March 7th, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. His children; Perry, Kathy, Rae, Becky, Linda, and his special friend, Ruth were at his side when he passed away. He was 96 years old. He was born May 27th, 1925 on the family farm in Russell, Kansas, to Daniel and Addie Young. He was the youngest child born to a family with five brothers and three sisters. He spent his childhood living and working on the family farm. At the age of 17, with special permission, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy to join his brothers in the war effort. During World War II he served from 1942 to 1946 in both the Atlantic and the Pacific. He was Gunner Mate that served on several merchant ships before being transferred to the Aircraft Carrier the USS Franklin. He was serving on the USS Franklin on March 19th, 1945 when it was hit off the coast of Japan. He was rescued after spending 5 1/2 hours in the Pacific. His story is featured in the documentary “USS Franklin Honor Restored”. After being discharged at the end of the war, he went to work in the oil industry, which became his lifetime career. Swede worked for over 50 years in drilling and production. He was respected and admired and was a mentor to several generations in the industry. He was known to be an honest, hardworking, loyal, and dedicated individual to both his work and family. He combined this with a fun-loving, mischievous sense of humor and wit. He worked and raised his family in Louisiana, Kansas, and Nebraska, before moving in 1976 to Colorado. With his wife, Joan (married May 12, 1954) he made a home in Fort Morgan until her passing in 1998. Swede enjoyed travel, camping, fishing with his family, and a set of lifelong friends. He was active with the Elks and the VFW, and always ready for a game of cribbage, especially with his granddaughter Pamela. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a source of great comfort and pride to him, in his final years. Roland “Swede” is survived and missed by his special friend; Ruth McReynolds of Ft. Morgan, CO. His children: Perry W Young (Peggy) of Abita Springs, LA; Kathy Young of Firestone, CO; Rae “Jeannie” Young of Firestone, CO; Rebecca “Becky” Rowland (Ed) of Ft. Morgan, CO; Linda Young (Michael) of Ft. Morgan, CO. He will be loved and remembered by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Perry Young (Cindy) with Emma and Elise; Amanda Young of Louisiana. Roland “RJ” Young (Tabatha) with Savannah, Tristin, and Brayden; Pamela Rowland of Colorado. He was preceded in death by His wife, Joan, and his daughter, Addie Young. Services will be at the First Christian Church in Fort Morgan, Saturday, March 12th at 10:30 AM with military services at the cemetery followed by lunch at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation of time and service to a US veteran.
Published by The Fort Morgan Times on Mar. 11, 2022.