Donald E. Young

Donald E. Young, 88, of 135 Lily Court, New Holland, died Sunday, November 27, 2011 at Regional Hospital of Scranton. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Sydney and Edna (Gehring) Young of Penfield, PA. He graduated from Haverford High School and Haverford School. Don received a B.S. degree in Marketing from Temple University and spent a year at Amherst University in Mass., and attended Purdue University and Ohio State University. Donald married Ruth Stockman of East Oak Lane, PA on Aug. 26, 1950. They had three children, Paul of Houston, TX, Lynn Young of Coatesville, and Philip Young who passed away in 1991. Don’s interest in track led him to receive a gold medal for his state record in 1937. Don was an active track enthusiast at Temple University also. Using his advertising skills, he worked for J.C. Penney, Sears, and American Casualty and was director of public relations for People’s Bank in Norristown. In later years he designed kitchens for Coventry Kitchens in Frazer, PA. and also had his own advertising agency. Don had been a Scoutmaster at Overbrook Presbyterian Church and later assistant Scoutmaster at Troop #106 in Berwyn. Loving camping and nature, Don started the Reading Camping Club in 1958 which is still active. While a member of Valley Forge Presbyterian Church in King of Prussia, he was a deacon and a trustee. While in Valley Forge, Don joined the Gideon’s of West Main Line and having moved to New Holland he joined the East Lancaster Camp of Lancaster County where he joined in distributing Bibles in New York City and Philadelphia. Known for his love of nature, Don spent 26 years labeling 130 varieties of trees and created a library for the Church of the Saviour arboretum. The Young’s reside at Garden Spot Village, New Holland and are members of Christian Fellowship Church in New Holland. During his lifetime, Don wrote four books. His book, “Wire as a Weapon” was awarded the Freedom’s Foundation award which was Don’s experience during WWII laying wire in France and Germany. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 2 at 11 am at Christian Fellowship Church, 758 Spruce Road, New Holland, with the Reverend Fred P. Raupp and Chaplain Chet Yoder officiating. Private interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 10-11 am. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Gideon’s International Lancaster East Camp, PO Box 241, New Holland, PA 17557 or to Garden Spot Village Benevolent Fund, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, PA 17557. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.