Emil Ray Young

Emil was born on July 2, 1941 in Opelousas, La. where he lived until 2 years old then they moved to Baton Rouge, La. His parents were Houston Pearl Young and Helen Daigle Young. He attended St. Gerard Majella Grade School and Redemptorist High School, while serving as an altar server from 2nd grade through high school. He served in the US Air Force from July 21, 1960 to July 22, 1964 during the conflict prior to the Vietnam War. He attained the rank of Airman 2nd Class and receive the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and Air Force Longevity Service Award. After returning from his service in the US Air Force he began a career as a heavy equipment mechanic.

He married Gail Bergeron Young on November 25th, 1965 and they were married for 54 years. Emil and Gail moved to Houston, Tx in 1970 with their daughters and they became members of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Houston, Tx. and currently St. Mary’s of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in La Porte, Tx. During his lifetime he loved reading books, exploring maps, running (he ran 2 Houston Marathons), saltwater fishing, and telling stories to his granddaughters. He was an active member of the San Jacinto chapter of GCCA and served as a board member for 10 years. He retired in 2014 after working 50 years and continued to fish, read, and watch football. He was always supportive of his granddaughters at their orchestra concerts, sports games, dance recitals, and award ceremonies.

He was preceded in passing by his father, Houston Pearl Young, and mother, Helen Daigle Young. He is survived by his wife, Gail Bergeron Young, daughters Helen Bernice Farrington and husband Harold and Patricia Ann Young. He has three granddaughters Caitlin, Hannah, and Jamie Farrington. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. We would like to remember our special friends from St. Augustine Catholic School and his longtime friend Kevin Barrett.

We will remember him by thinking of his big smile, his detailed storytelling, and all the love and support he gave. He gave nick names to everyone he was close to and was able to recall all the memories and jokes you had together. He attended church every weekend with his family and would fall asleep watching football in his recliner afterward. He loved to host family on holidays and made the best barbeque for his birthday & 4th of July celebrations. He was always front row at his granddaughter’s school events and loved to discuss what they were learning. He could talk to anyone about anything in the world and would have a story to tell about it.

He was a veteran, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all. He was so strong until the very end, moving on from a long, eventful life.

In lieu of flowers please donate blood at MD Anderson Blood Bank or your local blood center or make a donation to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Emil’s name.

We will send information on our celebration of life mass for Emil as soon as we can celebrate.