Edgar H. Young, Jr.

Edgar H. Young, Jr. “Pete Jr”, at the age of 81 passed away peacefully at home in Vero Beach, Florida on February 5^th, 2024. Ed grew up on Three Mile Hollow in Elkview, West Virginia with his brother and two sisters. He had an idyllic life hunting and fishing, playing in the creek and doing chores. When he was older, he would have his mom take him to the airport so that he could watch the airplanes land and take off. He wanted to be a pilot when he was old enough and wanted that more than anything. When he made up his mind to do something he made it happen. His dedication and drive helped him achieve every dream he ever had for himself.

His dream of becoming a pilot never waned and he got his “wings” in Fort Rucker, Alabama. He was now a full-fledged helicopter pilot. He loved the United States and served our country with honor. Ed flew Huey helicopters in Vietnam “The Intruder Bandits” and received a Purple Heart. That did not stop him from serving an additional tour in Vietnam as well as a tour in Desert Storm.

He was a soldier through and through, but he was also a husband and father, a job that was also extremely important to him. He was a very loving father and he provided so many fun adventures for his children. Camping, fishing, backpacking and traveling. Everything was a learning experience, and we didn’t even realize it because we were just having fun.

Once he retired, he sold all his belongings, bought a sailboat and sailed for several years with his wife Joan and their two cats. They went scuba diving, fished, read books and enjoyed their friends when they were docked. He had so many interests and pursued them all; hunting trips, making wine and moonshine, and cooking just to name a few.

Ed had a very special group of Veteran friends “brothers” that he has been meeting for lunch every week for over twenty years. He would not miss it, he loved spending time with them, laughing and telling stories. They loved each other, that’s for sure. We could not be happier about their friendship and are so grateful that they loved our father so much.

He is survived by sisters Karen Lowers and Audrey Shaffer; children Carmen Young Ingram, Robert Young and Sheila Young; stepchildren (that he loved like his own) Dena Ayers and Laurie Davis; grandchildren Kevin Ingram, Monica Rodriguez, Erica Rodriguez, Brittany Harris, Olivia Balzano, Madison Davis and Bryce Davis; great grandchildren Lillia Ingram, Lily Rodriguez-Arroliga, Brooks Harris and Hendrixx Frato; many nieces and nephews that he dearly loved as well.

He was preceded in death by wives Joan Taunton Young and ex-wife Brenda Wantlin Young; parents Edgar H. Young, Sr. and Hellen Price Young; brother Clyde Young.

A funeral service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.