Clyde Robert 'Bob' Young

Essay written for Bob by his daughter, Melissa My dad--there are so many things I can say about him. First he is my HERO. He taught me how to be a strong a woman and how to always treat others with respect. My dad was a hospital corpsman in the Navy and thus the medical field he loved which I also came to love when I became a Registered Nurse. My dad also was a professional clown. Making people smile is what he lived to do. Since his passing so many people have come forward and told me stories of how his smile, his easy going personality, and sense of humor could brighten even their worse day. Even at my fathers funeral those in attendance wore a clown nose as I read my dad's favorite poem that he always carried with him. He lived by this poem in EVERYTHING he did. These are the words that he lived by: As I stumble through this life, help me to create more laughter than tears, dispense more cheer than gloom, spread more cheer than despair. Never let me become so indifferent that I will fail to see the wonders in the eyes of a child, or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged. Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people, make them happy, and forget, momentarily, all the unpleasantness in their lives. And in my final moment, may I hear You whisper, "When you made My people smile, you made Me smile." My dad instilled in me endurance and the ability to NEVER give up on my dreams. He worked so hard--literally 80 hours per week. Even when he was living out his final days he was concerned with how others were doing and not so much about himself. My dad made this world a better place for so many people. I was just thinking about how we went to Disney World and there was a military resort. A guy in the pool looked at my dad and said, "DOC." My dad said, "Yes?" Nearly 30+ years later this man remembered how my dad had carried him from the battle field when his life was nearly taken. It seems my dad was always there to pick others up. He knew NO stranger. When I was becoming a nurse, he told me, "Melissa, whenever you go into a patients room ALWAYS go in with a smile on your face and look your patient in the eyes." He said, "No matter how bad your day, it is the patient that, at that very moment, may be taking their last breath." This I will always remember. Upon my dad's last breath, he spoke to my mom saying he wished I could get a break with my own health problems. My dad taught me to love everything in nature and protect it as a precious gift. Daddy, you were always there to pick me up and support my smallest and my largest dreams. I will never forget the endless understanding and strong advice that you gave me. Yep, you were always right--even though I may have fought and complained in the moment. I can only wish to be as good of a parent as you were some day. In this world someone is seeing again because of your gift. It eases me to think that they may be seeing the world just a precious as you did. _____________________________________________________________ Funeral Home Obituary Clyde Robert "Bob" Young, 61 of Indianapolis died July 16, 2011. A Navy veteran of the Vietnam War Bob was in the Hospital Corps, Co. A, 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd. Marine Division FPOSF 96602 and served on the USS Fresno in Okinawa. Bob was in boat sales for 30 years with Ted's Aqua Marine then sales with Hubler Auto Group. He was a member of the Southport Masonic Lodge #270, the Southport Order of the Eastern Star, the Scottish Rite, POTZZZ the clown in the Sahara Grotto, a adult Grand Helper for the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls in IN, Order of Amaranth Golden Link Court, Indianapolis. Hot Wheels Club, was a volunteer for The American Cancer Society Relay for Life and volunteered many years for the United Cerebral Palsy Organization. He was preceded in death by his father Clyde Charles Young. Robert is survived by his bride whom he married June 1, 1973, Carol Sue Hoover Young; a daughter, Melissa Young-Guillaume (Chris) and his faithful canine companion Barnabas. Friends may pay their respects to the Young family Friday July 22, 2011 from 4 to 8 PM with a Masonic service at 7:30 in Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center- Washington Park East. Funeral services will begin 10AM Saturday July 23, 2011 also in the funeral center. Burial will follow in Washington Park East Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan