Claude Ernest Young

Claude Ernest Young passed away peacefully on March 8, 2021 at his home in Shreveport, Louisiana.

A visitation will be held at Osborn Funeral Home in Shreveport on Thursday, March 11 from 4-6 p.m. A graveside service will be held in New Orleans at Greenwood Cemetery, 5190 Canal Boulevard, Gravesite No. 9 Thistle Ave between Magnolia and Hawthorne. 5190 Canal Boulevard, on Saturday, March 13 at 11:00 a.m. A celebration of life to follow graveside service.

Claude was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on November 30, 1930 to Katherine Flora and Joseph Young. Claude is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gail Byrnes Young, his children: Michael Young (Renee), Bruce Young (Cherrie), Kiplyn Young Duffy (Dan); his grandchildren: Rachel Young, Ross Young and Brandon Young; step granddaughter Lisa Pennell and children Jacob and Ryder Pennell.

He is also survived by his two sisters Connie Huckabay and Gail McAninch, brother-in-law Terry Byrnes, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Katherine Young, his brother Richard Young and his sister-in-law Linda Byrnes.

Claude graduated from Fortier High School in 1947 and received his B.S. degree in Business from Southeastern Louisiana University. Claude served as a Lieutenant JG in the United States Navy and Executive Officer aboard the USS Quapaw from 1953 to 1956.

In 1961 he moved his young family to Shreveport, Louisiana to start a commercial janitorial company named Red River Sanitors, Inc. Claude began his company with a mop bucket and a used vacuum cleaner with one employee. Upon his retirement at age 68, the company employed over 900 employees. The successful 57-year-old company is still owned and operated by a family member today. One of Claude's greatest joys was making sales calls with his children.

Claude was a member of Toastmasters International, Southwestern Association of Building Service Contractors, past board member of Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI), and past member of Shreveport-Bossier Executives Association (SBEA).

Throughout his life, Claude had a passion for God and his spiritual journey. He had a contagious, optimistic enthusiasm all his life. He loved being on the water in his boats, playing poker, traveling with family and friends, and always looking for something new to do.

The family would like to thank Regional Hospice and Companion Care for the wonderful care Claude received at home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.

Claude left us this message: "Now let the party begin. It has been a wonderful life and we all need a lot of fun to make us smile and laugh. Cheers".