Obituary

Paul Jonathan Young

October 19, 1954 - September 28, 2023

Paul Jonathan Young, a resident of Bogalusa, LA, passed away at the age of 68 on Thursday, September 28, 2023, with his family lovingly by his side.

Born on October 19, 1954, to Harrison Rankin Young and Lilyan Ingram Young, Paul was the youngest of the couple’s six sons.

Paul resided in Bogalusa, LA his entire life, and it was there that he met his future wife of 51 years, Donna Lee Young.  The couple later welcomed their daughter, Lea Michelle Young.  Paul was considered to be a devoted husband and father, and his family will always cherish the precious time they had with him.

Paul remained in his hometown all of his life and began his career at the paper mill, which was at the time owned by Crown Zellerbach.  He was employed with the mill throughout multiple changes in ownership and eventually retired just shy of 48 years of service from International Paper, current owner of the mill.

From early on in his life, Paul’s passion for music was evident.  Growing up in a family that had music at the center of everyday life, Paul learned to play various instruments, but his primary love was playing piano/keyboards.  Paul also enjoyed singing and writing songs, and he was always excited about taking music from start to finish in the entire production process.  Music was a creative outlet that allowed Paul the opportunity to work independently but also collaborate with others who shared the same enthusiasm.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Harrison Rankin Young and Lilyan Ingram Young and three brothers, Roland Paul Young, Ernest Rankin Young, Sr., and John Marion “Johnny” Young.

Paul is survived by his wife, Donna Lee Young and his daughter, Lea Michelle Young.  Paul is also survived by two brothers, George “Steve” Young and William “James” Young, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend Paul’s services on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home at 216 Alabama Avenue, Bogalusa, LA 70427.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until time for the service at 2:00 p.m.  Interment to follow at the Louis Crain Cemetery in Pine, LA.