Aubrey Walsworth Young

Aubrey Young Obituary

Aubrey's life journey began on May 1, 1922, in Monroe, the son of Cammie Mae Gulledge and William Earl Young, who were of Start. Aubrey had a gift for being a true friend and even the friends he made during his early years would remain close to him throughout his life. Aubrey attended Gulf Coast Military Academy in Bay St. Louis, Miss., where he was quarterback under Coach Carl Maddox, who later became athletic director for LSU. Aubrey graduated from Neville High School, where he was a great dancer, cheerleader, tenor in the Glee Club and an achieved athlete (lettering in football as co-captain and quarterback, baseball, and as the captain of the last Neville boxing team). Aubrey enjoyed his years in high school and remained an avid supporter of Neville High. Neville honored him whenever he attended their games or visited the school. Aubrey attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana on a boxing scholarship and later transferred to Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, where he became a lifetime member of the ""L"" Club.
In 1942, Aubrey enlisted in the armed services and joined the 17th Airborne Division, 513th Parachute Regiment. It was a wonderful day when he graduated from training at Fort Benning, Ga., where he earned his paratrooper wings and could then blouse his pants legs! His battalion was called out to join in the European Theatre of World War II and he served in three major battles - the Battle of the Bulge, the Rhine Jump in Germany and the battle in Luxembourg at the Our River. As did many during that war, he witnessed the tragic loss of his friends, some of whom were right next to him in a foxhole. He retaliated as a 60mm mortar squadron leader, but these memories haunted him during most of his life. He never lost his faith, and returned home to Monroe. Later in life, he proudly wore his paratrooper wings and his combat infantry badge.
Aubrey returned from the war suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Dealing with that and its impact on his life, Aubrey became very active in several Alcoholics Anonymous groups and felt a calling to help others fight the same personal battles. He embraced this calling as his life purpose and became a passionate advocate for AA. Aubrey followed his family tradition and worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad for a time and then Delta Airlines, and other jobs throughout the state trying to find a career where he felt he could make a contribution. After Aubrey proved his sobriety, he was hired as a deputy sheriff, and doors began opening up for him. He opened a hamburger shop (The Huddle on 18th Street), and was part-owner of the Paragon Supper Club, along with his longtime friends Tony and Joe Cascio.
Aubrey had a sharp memory for people. Though unknown to him at the time, his travels and the many people he met would prove to be keys to his success in life. In the early 1960s, a little-known politician, John J. McKeithen, of Columbia, contacted Aubrey for help to become governor of Louisiana. McKeithen had heard about the many contacts Aubrey had and knew these contacts would be essential to victory against the other formidable candidate, deLesseps ""Chep"" Morrison. After McKeithen's victory, Aubrey's loyalty and proven value earned him the title of colonel with the State Police and aide de camp to the governor. In 1966, Aubrey was honored for his ""experienced contributions in coordinating the reception and security of the Vice President of the United States, Hubert Humphrey."" Aubrey achieved national recognition for his ""calm and efficient direction of the massive chlorine barge-lift operation following Hurricane Betsy which required the evacuation of Louisiana residents, and for his inspired, yet always compassionate, leadership.""
The Louisiana Legislature through the issuance of House Concurrent Resolution 117 additionally honored him for his ""new and more meaningful concept of public service to them as a governing body."" Aubrey continued this close relationship and personal assistance to members of the Legislature throughout his public service, and was frequently sought out as a mentor by new legislators or by state employees who would be working with the legislature.
In 1967, during the height of segregationist conflicts, black leaders proposed a peaceful demonstration. The march was to begin in Bogalusa and conclude at the steps of the state Capital. Gov. McKeithen asked Aubrey to meet privately with the leader of the march, A.Z. Young, as an assurance of the protection of the Louisiana State Police. These were very tense days of racial conflict; however, the peaceful march was the beginning of a very close relationship between the two Youngs - Aubrey and A.Z. Aubrey worked toward peaceful solutions to conflicts throughout his state service and was respected in the black community.
During these very influential years, Aubrey was able to achieve one of his passionate goals, which was to establish a statewide program for the treatment and rehabilitation of alcoholics. He achieved that goal during the 1968 session of the Louisiana Legislature. During that session, through Aubrey's unrelenting efforts, funds were appropriated to establish the first state-funded treatment facilities in Baton Rouge, Hammond, Lafayette, Crowley, Alexandria, Lake Charles and Monroe. The Office of Alcohol Abuse was also created in the Department of Hospitals. In addition, Aubrey was instrumental in establishing the Tri-Med Program in all state general hospitals. The program originated in 1974 and provided alcohol and drug abuse detoxification, and mental health acute care treatments in hospitals. He also established an alcohol information curriculum in the LSU In-service Police Training School and was instrumental in establishment of Alcoholic Anonymous groups in state prisons.
During this same period, Aubrey worked with Victor Bussie, president of the Louisiana AFL-CIO, in attempting to set up programs in industrial plants and factories for the treatment and referral of alcoholics. Aubrey worked continuously to increase funding for the statewide substance abuse programs he created, to improve the programs, to increase number of beds available, as well as to personally work the 12th step of the AA program. And every member of the Legislature knew of his dedication. During his retirement ceremony, Aubrey was lauded by Jake Hadley of the Department of Health and Hospitals: ""Young's greatest service was not to politicians in high office but to people with alcohol and drug problems. When Young learned of anyone in need of treatment, he worked tirelessly to get them help. Literally thousands of people across the state owe their recovery, in part, to Aubrey Young, and the people of this state owe him a great debt of gratitude.""
Visitation at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., on Monday, April 12, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation will continue at Jefferson Baptist Church, 9135 Jefferson Highway, on Tuesday, April 13, from 9 a.m. until service time at 10:30 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Tommy French. Interment to follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be his brothers-in-law, Ray Guitreau, Richard Ashby, Nelson Hebert, Dick Empson and Thomas Daggett, and his nephew, Kent Owens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts to the Mary French Scholarship Fund, Jefferson Baptist Church, 9135 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, your favorite charity or remembrance Masses said at St. George or Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Churches. To sign the online register or to send notes of condolences, you may go to www.mem.com.

Published by The Advocate from Apr. 9 to Apr. 12, 2010.
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Memories and Condolences
for Aubrey Young

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Aubry will be dearly missed, but he will be never be forgotten. I have been attached to him since I met him at DHH. He was always so concerned, eager to listen and humble. He will always be in my heart. It has been a blessing to have known him. You and your family will be in my prayers and in my heart. Jackie Higgins; BR, La

April 14, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of deep sorrow. He was a wonderful person.

Pam Pullen and family

April 13, 2010

My thoughts and sincere prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow in your life. He was a wonderful person.

Pam Pullen and family
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

April 13, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dick Brown and Teri Henley

April 13, 2010

The world has lost a prince of a man. I will cherish his friendship always. Kathy, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your wonderful family.

Joe Poche'

April 12, 2010

Mr. Aubrey was a wonderful man and an inspiration to us all. Thank you Mr. Aubrey for your contribution to this city, parish and state. You were one in a million!

Isabel Loret

April 12, 2010

Our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.

Anthony and Susan Marino

April 12, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Leo Carlino

April 12, 2010

Aubrey was a friend to pratically everyone he encountered. He was very loyal and true to his word.

Brenda Lands

April 12, 2010

I am so very sorry to hear of this huge loss in your family, and in our family also. Kathy, Ashley, Charles, and Flip and all the grandkids, Aubrey was one of the most wonderful people who meant all the world to so many people. Oh Lord, the memories of him are endless, and one thing you could be assured of when in Aubrey's company, was the stories, jokes, laughter! Aubrey enjoyed life so much, and shared it with his friends and family always! Kathy, I wish Michele and I were there to be able to attend the services for Aubrey , but he will be in our thoughts and prayers always. Can just picture him,and Simmie with Daddy, and Joe David and Tony......Lord what a crew!!!! Our love and sympathy to all. Love, Mary jo Marsala Gonzales, and Michele Marsala

maryjo gonzales

April 10, 2010

When I needed a remembrance from Governor Mike Foster for Aubrey's dear friend Tony Cascio's Funeral Mass in Monroe, Aubrey put me on the telephone with the Governor.

When I expressed a desire to attend an LSU/Notre Dame football game in Baton Rouge, Aubrey got the tickets and he and Kathleen took my wife and I to the game.

Aubrey was a "can do" kind of a guy. His political presence acrooss the state of Louisiana will long be remembered.

May God bless and protect his family at this their time of sorrow.

Ed Biersmith

April 10, 2010

Kathleen and Family,
Our love and prayers are with you.
Ed and Ann Landry

April 10, 2010

April 9, 2010
Aubrey Young was a fascinating, wonderful man who contributed much to our country and state. He was an instrumental supporter of our first drug court in Monroe. He was a friend to many, a dapper dresser, a great storyteller and a dedicated state employee. And he had a servant's heart. He will be missed. The peace of Christ be with you, Aubrey.

Milton Moore

April 9, 2010

Mr Young was a Hero of World War II. He was very brave. His paratroop regiment suffered tremendous losses in Western Europe. Mr Young was one of the lucky ones who lived to tell the tale - he lost many friends and comrades during the war.
Now he is finally with them again.
Thank-You Mr. Young.

Donny Truly

April 9, 2010

April 09, 2010
Aubrey was not only a great state worker but a great friend. He and Cal were always trading stories of the past but always lived life at its fullest, in the present. We are sure there are having a great time right now. God give him eternal rest and console his family and friends.
Lupe and Bill Bankston.

April 9, 2010

MR. AUBREY WAS A GREAT MAN AND A GREAT FRIEND. WHEN EVER YOU NEEDED HIM , HE WAS ALWAYS THERE. OUR HEART FELT SYMPATHY TO MS KATHY, MS FLIP, CHARLES, ASHLEY AND ALL HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO LOVED HIM DEARLY. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN THE SWEET ARMS OF HIS HEAVENLY FATHER.
ERNEST PALMISANO AND FAMILY.

Ernest Palmisano

April 9, 2010

I met Aubrey when Charles and Kyle became friends while going to CLA. He was a wonderful example for my son and I'm sure so many more. He will be missed. Rest in Peace my friend.

Karen Guidry

April 9, 2010

Charles, Ashley, and Mrs.Kathy, I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Aubrey. There was no one like him. His charisma was infectious and was used to brighten many peoples lives. That man was always dressed to impress and that was always a cool statement that his presence made. I celebrate the man that he was and the legacy that he leaves in ya'll. My prayers are with you! We love ya'll, Brent & Marina Boyd

brent boyd

April 9, 2010

I met Mr. Young some years ago during these 30 plus years with the State and I found him to be a man who was proud, well dress and with a since of purpose, mixed with some humor. He also had the ability to sound like a Trombone. If I had that same ability, I would play Military Taps for him, because a Soldier for a better Louisiana has fallen. He's now resting in peace and my prayers are with and for his love ones. God Bless!

Willie Matthews

April 9, 2010

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