William H. Young

William Harrison Young, age 87 of Montrose, passed at the Homestead Assisted Living in Montrose on the afternoon of the 5th of January.  He had been a resident there for the last four months.

He was born in Palestine, TX., and served as a signalman till the end of WWII.  He attended the University of Texas and graduated with a degree in geology, and a second degree in mathematics.  He pursued a career as a petroleum geologist.  He was instrumental in discovering oil in the Julesburg basin in Eastern Colorado.  During the Korean War, he once again served his country by joining the Air Force and served as an officer in the intelligence division.

Surviving family members include his wife, Sheryl Young of the family home in Montrose; Bill’s children Michael Young, Terry Young and Thomas Young; step children Fred Petersen, Mary Young and Verna Betz; 13 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.  Bill was preceded in death by his daughter Carolyn Kalca and step daughter Polly Wallis.   At Bill’s request, cremation has taken place and family services will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Co.