Eddie Young

Eddie Young, son of the late Melvin and Leola Young, was born on November 12 th , 1942, in
Beaumont Texas. He was the 4 th child of four children of Leola Young. All who proceed him in
death: Lawrence Jr, Fredy, and Annabelle Coleman. Whitney Nelson Jr and Harold Nelson are
additional half-brother’s from Eddie’s biological father Whitney Nelson was a great man of whom
he came to know of later in life.
Eddie often described his closeness with his older sister Annabelle. Growing up they were best
friends to each other, and he protected her fiercely. Our most memorable childhood
communication from our father regarding his up bringing is the admiration and respect he had
for the man who raised him as his own, Melvin Young. Eddie was so appreciative of Melvin’s
love and guidance that he named his second son after him.
Eddie was a graduate of Hebert High School where he was on the basketball team and played
as a point guard. He received his Bachelor of Science from Prairie View A&M University in
Prairie View, Texas where he majored in engineering design. For a brief time, he taught at his
high school alma mater Hebert High School where he taught drafting.
Eddie signed up for the United States Airforce in 1966. He received years of technical and
engineering related training that he would use later in life in his profession. After the Airforce,
and teaching, he landed a position at Gulf state Utilities Company where he was a draftsman
and engineer.
He had two sons, Terrell Don (who proceeded him in death in 2020) and Melvin Reshaud with
his late wife (“Betty” Rose).
Eddie was a hardworking man that never complained about having to do hard things”. A typical
day for Eddie would begin with working at the office, finding time to lay brick in the evenings,
and even helping build his parent’s a house. On the weekends, he enjoyed cooking neckbones,
turkey legs and growing mustard greens in their large backyard in Beaumont. Occasionally, he
would find the time to kick back with relatives in the neighborhood as his family meant
everything to him.
He was a long-time member of Peaceful Rest Baptist Church having joined in 1966. In 1980, a
devoted member of the church (Gertie Cross) introduced Eddie to her granddaughter Golden
who he referred to as “a breath of fresh air”. They were married shortly after and blended their
families.
Eddie soon heard the calling of the Lord to lead God’s people and became an ordained Minister
of the Gospel. While at Peaceful Rest Baptist Church, Eddie served as an Associate minister,
president of the Brotherhood and trained youth for the Baptist Training Union. The Brotherhood
was of much value to Eddie and many men sought him for wise counsel and a listening ear.
Eddie and Golden were surprised with their pregnancy and gave birth to a child in 1985,
Michelle Christine. All the children, Terrell, Melvin, Nicki and Michelle affectionately referred to
Eddie as “Daddy” even as adults. Eddie implemented the same thoughtful techniques as his late
father Melvin did with parenting and would be the reason his children thrived and set the
foundation for generations to come. With the Word of God, discipline, wisdom, logic, good
reasoning, and patience, he would show his children the way.
For roughly 4 years, the young family took road trips from Texas to Oregon to visit his wife
Golden’s family (The Harrison’s) and eventually decided to move to Portland Oregon

permanently. Upon moving to Portland, Eddie and family joined Vancouver Ave First Baptist
Church where he resided as Associate Minister and interim pastor. While attending, he taught
Wednesday night bible study and Sunday School. His Family always looked forward to hearing
him preach. His sermons inspired you to be a student of God’s word, touched your soul and
sent you off with assurance of the ever-loving presence of God.
His professional endeavors in Oregon began with going back to school part time while working
as the head custodian at a school he would later become a full-time teacher at. Eddie was
passionate about education and obtained his Oregon’s teaching license. He taught AutoCAD,
computer programming, drafting and design at Jefferson high school, Stayton High School and Grant High School. After retiring from
teaching, he drove the school bus for David Douglass school district until his health prevented
his mobility.
In 2004, Eddie and family became members of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, a place
where they felt loved and supported. At Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Eddie was the
associate minister, Lead the bible study for the youth, supervisor for “Youth in Action” and sang
in the men’s choir. For the next 20 years he kept his focus on continuing to serve the Lord,
spent a lot of comforting time in his family home advising his children and helping his wife
babysit the grand children.

Eddie departed this life and went home to be with the Lord March 12 th 2024. He leaves behind
his loving wife Golden, his beloved son Melvin (Krista) and loving daughters Michelle and Nicki. Loving daughter in law of Marie Young.

Grand children: Cameron, Cory, Caleb, Olivia, Isaiah, Jordan, Amari, Israel, Nia. In-laws:
Shelton Harrison Jr (Renee), Ricky Harrison (Elaine), 4 nieces and 4 nephews and a host of
other relatives, friends, and church family.

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