Wayne Eldrus Young, 96, passed away May 30, 2024 in Idaho Falls. He was born March 7, 1928 in Twin Groves, Idaho. He was the eldest son of Vera Broadbent Young and James Cyrus Young. He grew up on the farm in Twin Groves with 3 younger brothers (Lowell, Rex and Dee) and one sister (Sally). It was during this time that he established a strong work ethic as he worked along side his parents and siblings planting and harvesting crops and caring for the farm animals.

Wayne began his early schooling at age 6 and attended classes in the Twin Groves School. His time in elementary school gave him a good start to his education. He was a good student and was able to skip a grade during the elementary school years. He continued his education in the St. Anthony schools and graduated from South Fremont High School.

He then continued his education at Idaho State College and developed his skills as a machinist. In July of 1948, Wayne was sworn into the U.S. Navy and he served in Adak, Alaska during his tour of duty. He was also recalled during the Korean conflict. Following his active duty time, he served 4 additional years in the Active Naval Reserves in Ogden, Utah. Wayne said "I liked the Navy. I was proud of the uniform and was proud to wear it". Wayne's military service remained a source of pride for him for the remainder of his life.

He married Donarae Roberts in 1950 and they were the parents of 3 children: Glenda, Suzann and Daniel "Danny". That marriage ended in divorce. In 1991, he married his childhood sweetheart, Donna Maxine Singleton. He was then blessed with 3 more children; Carla, Rebecca and Jay. Wayne cherished his family and openly and freely expressed his love for them. He considered them one of his greatest gifts.

Wayne was a "Jack of all trades". In addition to his farming and ranching experience, Wayne worked at a local sawmill, at the Patterson Mine and he even tried his hand at herding sheep on occasion. He was a fine craftsman with wood and an auto mechanic. He loved electronics and embraced the computer age. He built and serviced computers and was anxious to have the latest electronic gadget to come on the market. He was an avid reader and kept his several Kindles by his chair.  Wayne also loved sailing. He took lessons in California and then bought himself a sailboat. He and Maxine sailed the San Juan Islands in Canada, the Pacific Ocean, the Baha of Mexico, Folsom Lake, the Great Salt Lake, Yellowstone Lake and he even sailed in the Snake River in a sailboat he built himself. He built his first boat when he was a teenager.

Wayne worked a s a machinist at Hill Air Force in Utah until he reached retirement age. He then relocated to St. Anthony and started a dairy on the family farm. He was very proud of his herd and worked hard to develop the dairy to its full potential.

While Wayne lived in Utah, he began serving as a Scoutmaster. He loved the Scouting program and he loved his Scouts even more. When he moved to St. Anthony, he was again given the opportunity to serve in the Scouting program and the young men he taught remained "his Scouts forever". He was so proud of their accomplishments and he continued to treasure their friendship throughout the years.

In August 2023, after the death of his wife, Maxine, Wayne moved from Rimrock, Arizona to Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was living in Lincoln Court at the time of his death.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine; his son, Danny, his parents, Cy and Vera Young and 2 brothers, Lowell and Dee Young. He is survived by his daughters, Glenda, Suzann, Carla and Rebecca and his son Jay; a brother Rex and his sister, Sally, as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

There will be a graveside service on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. at the Wilford Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Bert Flamm Mortuary.