By Jurry Taalib-Deen
Journal Staff Writer
Samuel Young never had a birthday party. The father of seven children, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, was too busy providing for his family, and trying to make sure they would have better then what he had growing up.
The army veteran and business owner told The Toledo Journal at his first ever birthday party, on Saturday, September 22, at Tabernacle of Praise Church 1217 Prouty Ave, “I never had a desire to have a party.”
When Mary Allen, Mr. Young’s daughter-in-law, was talking to him in early 2018 and discovered that her father-in-law never had a birthday party, she decided to give him his first.
Currently Mr. Young resides in Omaha, Nebraska, but Mrs. Allen didn’t let the distance thwart her plan.
“My father-in-law has worked hard all of his life, and deserves this party,” she said.
After serving time in the United States Army from 1955 until 1961, Mr. Young moved from Winchester, Arkansas to Omaha, Nebraska. There, he worked at a number of jobs over the years, including meat packer, to pumping gas. Ultimately, Mr. Young got tired of working for others, and opened his own business in 1972.
“For that hard work, and determination, my father-in-law is well deserving of this party,” Mrs. Allen said.
“My father never pulls any punches when giving advice,” said Charles Allen Young, son. “I really admire the things he has accomplished. Wisdom, honorable, and highly respected within his community, makes my father deserving of this party,” he said.
“This actually feels good,” Samuel Young said. “I’m glad to be here, and I appreciate Mary for everything she has done for me,” Samuel Young expressed.
Samuel Young said the only thing he really wants for his birthday is to be able to live and see another one. But for his 86 birthday, he said, “We’re going to have to celebrate it in Omaha.”
