Paul Dewitt Young died Tuesday, April 23, 2019.
He had a wicked sweet tooth, a love for bass fishing, a skill for cooking on the grill and a huge smile.
Raised by his grandmother, Mary Neisler, his connection to his kids and the love of his life, Fredricka — wife for 68 years — was immeasurable. Dedicated. Loyal. Loving and wise, he led the way for all of us.
He was born July 24, 1930, in Texarkana, Texas, to Joncie and Rita Neisler Young. He became a radio disc jockey then news broadcaster until the new idea of television wooed him — a perfect fit. He had the looks, voice and savvy to succeed. He moved on to Washington, DC and became news anchor and news director at WJLA TV.
During heavy snowstorms, he’d hitchhike across the Potomac River to get to work. He’d rouse his children in the middle of the night to watch breaking stories or haul them downtown to witness “Tent City” and even take them on interview assignments when there was no childcare available.
He leaves a legacy we all hope to meet. But at the end of the day, he was most importantly, a wonderful husband, father and friend.
He leaves behind his wife, Fredricka; his children Mark (Grania), Eric (Emily) and Marla; grandchildren Matt, Rennie, Ollie, Christina, Riley, Keenan, Jill and Joelle; plus great-grandchildren Zailey, Lexi and Karter.