Donald Reeder Young

1921 - 2013

Donald Reeder Young July 21, 1921 - February 18, 2013 Donald Reeder Young, age 91, passed away quietly in his sleep on February 18, 2013, in Bakersfield, CA. He was born on July 21, 1921, in Logan UT. He attended Logan High School, graduating in 1938. He received a BS in Physics at Utah State Agricultural College in 1942, and a PHD, in Physics, at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in 1949. Don married Anne Watson on June 13, 1946. They were married for 49 years when Anne passed away. He is survived by his son Reed and wife Cindy of Bridgewater, NJ, son Ralph and wife Holly of Albuquerque, NM, daughter Fran and husband Jim of Concord, CA, daughter Elaine and husband Scott of Bakersfield, CA, sister Adelle Allen of Clayton, CA, 12 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and companion Josie Leiby of Whitehall, PA. Don had an extensive career that began at the Naval Radiation Laboratory, MIT, Cambridge, MA, during WWII. He worked as a Research Physicist at IBM in Poughkeepsie, Yorktown, and East Fishkill, NY for 37 years. Upon retirement from IBM, Don became a Professor of Electrical Engineering at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, for 5 years. He was also a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. He was well known for his many publications and patents. Don had many hobbies and interests, which include ham radio, photography, building computers and fishing. He was known by his friends and loved ones for his sense of humor. He loved going out for ice cream - he would happily eat any and every flavor. He enjoyed spending time with his family at their cottage in 1000 Islands, Ontario. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where he served in numerous leadership positions, including Bishop. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 from 12:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with funeral services to follow at Jane Pearson Funeral Home Chapel, Bethlehem, PA. Interment will take place at Nisky Hill Cemetery, Bethlehem, PA. Don's family appreciates the exceptional caretakers at the Trinity and The Gables who were so kind and attentive in his final days. Cherished Memories Memorial Chapel www.bakersfield.com/obits