Raymond Young

Raymond Allen Young, 88, of Ganado passed away on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013 at home surrounded by his family.

Raymond was born in El Campo to Roy and Gertrude Miles Young on Oct. 25, 1924. He graduated from Refugio High School. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1949. He was a veteran of World War II and served in the United States Air Force. He married Melba Jean Boepple on December 28, 1951 at the First United Methodist Church of Ganado. Raymond devoted his life to continuing the family business, Ganado Telephone Company & YK Communications, and was a pioneer in the telephone industry. After Jean's death, Raymond later married schoolmate Melwese Brandes in 1998. He was involved in the Lion's Club; First United Methodist Choir; the Ding-A-Lings, a local barbershop quartet; the Masonic Lodge; American Legion; and Texas A&M Telecommunications Advisory Board. As a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, he was a lifelong supporter of Boys Scouts of America. Raymond served in various capacities for numerous telephone industry and local civic organizations. 

Raymond is preceded in death by parents Roy and Gertrude Young, wife Melba Jean Young, and granddaughter Kaylee Kacer. 

Raymond is survived by wife Melwese Brandes Young, children Paula Young Kacer and Gary, Royce Young and Diane, Carol Parks, and Camille Rakowitz; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 5- 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12 at First United Methodist Church of Ganado. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13 at First United Methodist Church of Ganado with the Rev. Barbara Galloway officiating. Private family burial will follow at Ganado Cemetery. 

Pallbearers will be Bill Rakowitz, Allen Parks, Russell Kacer, Kirby Kacer, Roy Young, and Gary Kacer. Honorary pallbearers will be current and former Ganado Telephone Company and YK Communications employees.

Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church of Ganado, Crown Hospice of Victoria, and Happy Tails Animal Shelter of Jackson County.

Services under the direction of Ganado Funeral Home, 800 So. Third St., 361-771-2120.