John Younger

Services are scheduled at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, at the Hermosa Drive Church of Christ for Mr. John Leroy Younger of Artesia, New Mexico. PMr. Younger, 87, died Thursday, March 19, 2009 at his home. PJ.T. Ross will officiate at the services with burial at Twin Oaks Memorial Park. PVisitation will be at Terpening amp; Son Mortuary Monday beginning at 10:00 a.m. PJohn Leroy Younger, the son of L.R. amp; Nellie Sheppard Younger was born on October 18, 1921 in Oiltown, Oklahoma. PKnown by his family and friends as Leroy or uncle bud, he moved to Artesia in 1936 at the age of 15 from Depew, Oklahoma. In 1941 he joined the U.S. Army. His unit was attached to the 50th Infantry Division during the invasion of Normandy on D-Day. He was discharged in November of 1945 as a sergeant and returned to Artesia. Shortly after returning he met Dorothy Faye Grissom. After dating for only two weeks, on December 29, 1945 they eloped to Covington, New Mexico and were married. They have three daughters; Jo Ann, Marilyn and Karla. PHe drove trucks in the oilfield and worked on oil rigs. In 1957 they purchased the Odd Shop on south 1st street. At the time of purchase it was a curios store. Leroy and Dorothy added bait and tackle to the business. Later on Leroy began selling campers, trailers and motor homes. In addition to that he would service and repair RV's. Leroy was talented and soon began building his own pick-up covers canopies. As business grew another addition was made to the business by converting a portion of the business property into an overnight RV park. PFor many years he worked 7 days a week. During many of those years local fisherman could ring a night buzzer; and as he was living with his family in the home that was built onto the back of the store, he would get up during the night to sell them bait and tackle. Leroy did not complete his school education; however, he was a hard working man and had many talents. He could fix or repair just about anything. He had the ability to figure out how to get things accomplished when many could not. PMr. Younger retired from business in March of 1983. In 1984 he and his wife moved to Salem, Oregon, where they lived with their daughters until 1988, when they returned to Artesia. PHe and his wife Dorothy traveled extensively during his lifetime around the United States and to Jamaica, Mexico, New Zealand, Canada, Italy, France, Switzerland and Russia. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. PHe is a member of the Hermosa Drive Church of Christ and the Artesia Bulldog Sam's. He was a man of his word and was a well respected member of the community. He will be missed not only by his family but also many friends and acquaintances. PMr. Younger was preceded in death by his Father and Mother of Siloam Springs, AR. Sisters: Maggie Rainwater of Carlsbad, NM; Edna McCoy, Agnes Layman and Helen Haddox of Tulsa, OK; and Anna Mae Bevies of Amarillo, TX. Brothers: Robert Bob Younger of Fayetteville, AR and Leonard Earl Younger of Irving, TX. PSurvivors are his wife Dorothy Grissom Younger of the home. Daughters: Jo Ann Thompson and husband Earl Ray of Aloha, OR; Marilyn Jane Younger, Karla Faye Rhoten and granddaughter April Gaylynn Rhoten of Hillsboro, OR. In-laws: Jean Grissom of Portales, NM; Herbert Red Grissom, Steve and Elizabeth Grissom of Lebanon, OR; James Howard Grissom of Ada, OK; and Zelpha Carter of Elgin, TX; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New Mexico Christian Childrens Home, 1356 New Mexico 236, Portales, NM 88130-9983 or to a charity of your choice.