Roll Call Tribute

Published in Victoria Advocate on January 2, 2011

JOHN ARCHIE YOUNG Jr.
   WESTHOFF - John Archie Young Jr., 83, left this world to be with our loving God on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010. He was born n July 12, 1927 in San Antonio where he grew up building model airplanes and taking art lessons. He graduated from Vocational & Technical High School in 1944 where he majored in architectural drafting. At age 17, in April 1945 he enlisted in the Navy, serving in California and Corpus, and in July 1948 was honorable discharged as a 2nd class aviation machinist mate petty officer. He was licensed as a Texas architect in 1954 and obtained a Bachelor of Architecture from UT in 1955. After working for several large Texas architectural firms, he established his own practice in 1965 with his brother in Victoria, and the two boys with their father built and established A&W Machine Works of Victoria.
   On Feb. 12, 1965 he married his 2nd wife, Jo Ann Cliffe of Yoakum. In April 1965 he worked as an architect for the U.S. Postal Dept. in Washington, D.C., designing major postal facilities in New York City, Connecticut, Indiana, Virginia, Utah, and Delaware.
   In January 1967 he again entered the Naval Service, commissioned a lieutenant commander in the Civil Engineer Corps. Coupled with his earlier duty in California and Texas, he now served in Rhode Island;
Californai; Virginia; Saigon, Vietnam; Texas; Delta, Vietnam; Texas A&M; Philippines, Oklahoma; Maryland, and Texas.
   He was a registered architect in Texas, District of Columbia, Virginia, and was certified by the National Council of Architectural Boards. In addition to his Bachelor of Architecture, he also held a Master of Administration from Geo. Washington University, and a Master of Urban Planning from Texas A&M.
   On Aug. 16, 1985 he retired, a commander, after 26 years of Naval service.
   His awards are: Meritorious Service Medal; Two Navy Commendations (one with combat "V"); Enlisted Good Conduct Medal; American Campaign Medal; WW II Victory Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Award; and the Vietnam Order of Merit First Class.
   During his career he played a major role in the design, construction, and maintenance of airfields, piers, docks, highways, bridges, buildings, aircraft and ammunition production facilities, utility plants and systems, railroads, family housing, and flood control projects.
   After retiring, he and his wife lived in Kingsville and Corpus Christi, and he supervised construction of a large ranch residence near Beeville. In September 1989 he and his wife permanently moved to Westhoff and built their own country home, shop, and garage/studio. During his life he enjoyed many hobbies; oil painting, photography, writing, woodworking, restoring autos, boat building, fishing, bird hunting and Mexico travel.
   He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW.
   Survivors include his loving wife of 45 years, Jo Ann; sons, Clayton Jay Young of Solon, Ohio; and Gary Jack Young of Smithville; daughters, Valerie Gail Tohill of Magnolia; and Anne Marie Sharron of Cuero; stepson, Timmy Dale Young of Cuero; 13 grandchildren; and four great-Grandchildren. His sister, Betty Marie Troutman of San Antonio, also survives him.
   He was preceded in death by his father, John Archie Young Sr.; mother, Lorene Young; brother, Jack Warren Young Sr.; son, Clifford Alan Young; and stepsister, Sylvia Ahr.
   Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, 2011 at Freund Funeral Home.
   Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011 at Freund Funeral Home, with a graveside interment to follow at Westhoff Cemetery.
   Pallbearers will include J.T. Dickerson, Jason Young, Sergio Gonzales, Jeremy James, Zackery Bourgo, and Robert Parker.
   Memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Baptist Church in Yorktown.
   You may sign the guest book or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.
   Freund Funeral Home, Cuero, 361-275-2343.