Walter Martin Young

Walter M. Young Sr.Passed away peacefully on February 19, 2016, at Winters Park Memory Care in Garland, Texas. He was 95. Born on February 10, 1921, in Sturgis, Michigan, he was a graduate of Sturgis High School. Walter married his high school sweetheart, Ruth A. Steffee, on May 16, 1943. He was a life-long resident of Parchment, Michigan, until he moved to Sachse, Texas, in 2010 to live with his oldest granddaughter.Walter honorably served in the Army during World War II with Company M 353rd Infantry Regiment 89th Division from August 29, 1942 until February 2, 1946. While serving with the “Rolling W” in Rhineland - Central Europe, he earned the EAME Theater Ribbon with Two Bronze Stars, the American Theater Ribbon, the Good Conduct Ribbon, the Victory Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal for heroism in combat. After the war, Walter attended Western Michigan University. While at Western “Walt” played on the varsity baseball team where he excelled as a catcher.He was an employee of Sutherland Paper Co. for 33 years. While at Sutherland he was a star catcher on the company’s baseball team which won two National Amateur Baseball Championships. When his playing days were over, Walt continued to be active in baseball as an umpire in the Kalamazoo area.Walt was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Ruth A. Young, his mother, Grace Rost Young, his father, William Weller Young, his brother, Harold Young, and his sister, Ardith Smoll.Walt is survived by his beloved sister, Arlene Peeke and brother-in-law, Gerald Peeke; his children, Walter M. Young Jr., Peggy L. Zura, and Jeanne M. Young; his grandchildren, Steffanie L. Young and Mary C. Zura; and his great-grandchildren, Sarah, Savannah, and Scarlette Young. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.Walt loved the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, gardener, and pet owner, as well as a loyal and lifetime fan of the Detroit Tigers.A Veteran’s Memorial Service and Internment will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or the Parchment Little League (Payable to: Parchment Little League, P.O. Box 612, Parchment, Michigan, 49004).