Burton E. Young

Burton Young was born on November 30, 1927, in Vallejo, California. His parents were Ernest and Mary Young, and he was greeted by his brothers, Robert and Ernie.

He spent his early years in Napa (home of his grandmother) as well as Los Angeles. These were challenging times in the middle of the great depression. In the mid-1930s his parents divorced. Mary turned over the responsibilities to older brother Robert, a teenager. Despite the cruel economy, Mary was able to provide for her sons by working in a variety store.

In 1945, Burton joined the Army and was assigned to Fort Lewis, Washington. Despite his small frame, he had a short stint of being an MP! As WWII was soon over, he was honorably discharged in 1946. He immediately sought employment, and in 1948 he went to work for a small family-owned company, and stayed there for 44 years. Nellie joined this same company in 1960, and they both retired in 1992.

In 1949, he met and married Nellie Goold; and in 1950 they purchased their home in Lakewood. In 1955, they had the great joy of becoming parents to daughter Tracy

After retirement, Burton started working on old cars. He restored and sold a number of them, and kept some for his own pleasure. He also loved NASCAR stock car racing. In the early 1950s, he helped his brother Ernie race in the local jalopy series. In 1956, his brother purchased a new Pontiac and they raced at most tracks here in California and in Arizona.

Burton lived a full life, and was so proud of his family - daughter Tracy and husband Ed; grand- adults Eddie and Daneen. On October 30, he died peacefully at home with Nellie beside him. He was just short of reaching the age of 90 - and celebrating his 68th year of marriage to Nellie.


*Private service will be held on Wednesday November 8th.