Oscar Creighton Young, man of many nicknames

On July 14, 1926, Oscar Creighton Young was born in Lincoln to the late James H. and Mattie (Watson) Young. He went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014, at Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital.

Oscar attended the Lincoln School in Lincoln, and graduated from Howard High School in Wilmington. He served in the U.S. Navy for two years and returned home to Milford, where he worked as a presser at Edward’s Dry Cleaners. There, he met the love of his life, Naomi, whom he married years later.

Oscar became a skilled presser and continued working in that business at Bennett’s Dry Cleaners. For eight years Oscar and Naomi owned and operated Young’s Flying “A” Service Station in Milford. After selling the business, Oscar went to work in the Milford School District as a custodian. He retired after many years of faithful and dedicated service.

Oscar was married to his loving wife Naomi (Griffin) Young for 60 years. Together they raised three beautiful children: Ernest, Shari and Regina in a warm and loving home.

Oscar was affectionately known as “Moe,” “Dad,” “Pop-Pop,” “Governor,” “Mayor,” “Pop,” “Mr. Moe,” “Uncle Moe,” “Brother Young” and “Mr. Young.”

Oscar was never too busy to lend a helping hand or share kind words of encouragement to young and old alike. He was a loving and wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, neighbor, relative and friend. Oscar was known as a peacemaker. He did not anger easily, judge or speak criticism. He was just a great person to be around.

Some of his famous sayings/clichés were: “In order to see change in other people you’ve got to be willing to change yourself!” “Always keep your bags packed.” “Better to have and not need than to need and not have.” “Fellas, let’s pray about this.” “Don’t come down on a cat too hard.” “You got to give a person a chance.” “There are enough ways in the world for everybody to have one.” On occasion he would refer to some individuals as “kangaroos.”

Oscar was raised in St. Paul United Methodist Church, where he would later become a devoted member and serve as a trustee. He also was a member of the United Methodist Men and sang on the Chancel, Gospel and Men’s Choir. Additionally, he was a member of Temple Lodge 8, Prince Hall Affiliation in Milford and G. Oscar Carrington Consistory 93 in Milton.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers: Willis, Harvey, Melvin and Earl; four sisters: Bessie, Rena, Gladys and Zelda; and one daughter, Shari.

Oscar leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Naomi; son, Ernest (Cleo) of Harrington; daughter, Regina Walker of Dover; three grandchildren: DeShawn Young of Milford, Shayla and Creighton Walker of Dover; six great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Elder Granville Brittingham of Dover; an uncle-in-law, Luther Griffin of Milford; sister-in-law, Eva M. Lewis of Baltimore, Md.; special cousins, Grace Ann Young and Wanda Tiggs; adopted children include: Janice Austin, Janice Fountain, Patricia Adams and Gregory Showell; special friends: Rosa Henry, Alfredia Fountain, George Sorden, James Williams and Reggie Fountain; a host of cousins, nieces and nephews; a caring community, church family, Masonic Family and friends.

There will be a viewing Friday, Feb. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Paul U. M. Church, 300 North St., Milford, with Masonic Services beginning at 7 P.M.. The funeral will be Saturday, Feb. 15, at 9 a.m. at the church where friends may call one hour prior. Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home.