Archie L. Young

Archie LeRoy Young was born July 12, 1916 on a farm south of Glen Elder, Kansas. He was the youngest child of Herman P. and Alice Gertrude Talkington Young. His siblings were Esther (Minges), Anna (More), John, Austin, Delos and Frances (Watson). It was his small hometown where, surrounded by love he acquired his values, his work ethic, and his nickname "Cotton"…all of which lasted
him a lifetime of 92 years.

Archie graduated from Glen Elder High School in 1934 at the height of the Great Depression. He had to seek work to help provide for the family. Although he couldn't pursue advanced education, he never let the situation squelch his desire to learn. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and later served in the United States Army during World War II.

On May 15, 1946 Archie was united in marriage with Dorothy Maye Dunn. Two children, LeRoy Ivan and Vera Myrle blessed this union.

In 1951 following working with the National Guard during the flood on the Solomon River in Beloit, Archie reached a pivotal point in his career. He was tired and his current employer would not give him time off to rest. He characterized quitting his job as the most irresponsible thing he ever did. However, he walked down the street and obtained employment with the State Highway Commission. He worked for this organization as an engineer's assistant as it transitioned to the Department of Transportation until his retirement in 1977. He also retired from the National Guard after a long and dedicated period of service to his community and country.

Archie was a loyal member of the First Christian Church in Beloit where he served as a deacon. He was involved in the school activities of his children and loved helping with their homework and school projects. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6242.

The pride and joy of his life arrived in 1973; his grandson Nathan Aaron Dixon was born, Raised without a father, and working 2 or 3 jobs to support his own children, "Gramps" approached this new generation with much love. He took the time to teach and to listen.

Bouts with cancer and other challenges never took his positive attitude. He focused on what he had and could do and never on what he had lost. During his retirement he enjoyed gardening, walking, doing crossword puzzles and watching TV. He was a devoted husband to Dorothy during her declining health and until her death in 2004.

In 1991, Vera married Dan Streit. Archie respected Dan and came to rely on him as a son.

Upon Nathan's marriage Archie came to love his granddaughter-in-law Tisha and his new great granddaughter, Harlee. In 2000 Royce was born. He was a new source of pride. "Old Pa" relished in Royce's activities. He was known to brag a bit and share a few photos.

For three years Archie called Hilltop Lodge Assisted Living "home." He was proud of his apartment and greatly appreciated all of those who helped him maintain his independence. In November of 2008 he moved to the Nursing Home portion of Hilltop. Once again his positive attitude and quick wit endeared him to the many staff and residents he encountered.

After a short struggle, he left this life in the early morning hours of Thursday, March 5, 2009 at Hilltop Lodge in Beloit, Kansas, leaving behind his children Vera Streit and husband Dan of Beloit, Ivan Young of Reston, Virginia; one sister Frances Watson of Grants Pass, Oregon; sister-in-law Vera Fritsche of North Liberty, Iowa; a beloved grandson Nathan Dixon and wife Tisha of Manhattan two great grandchildren Harlee Thompson and Royce Dixon.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Monday, March 9, 2009 at First Christian Church with Pastor Cliff Heagy officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery at Glen Elder. Memorials may be given to First Christian Church. Friends may call from 1:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Sunday at the McDonald Funeral Home.