CSM (Ret) Milton Peter Youmans

CSM (Ret) Milton Peter Youmans, son of the late Milton Henry and Mary (Kraemer) Youmans, was born January 27, 1934 in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. He passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at the age of 78. Milton grew up in Wisconsin where the family business was farming. He entered the U.S. Army in 1951 at age 17 and proudly served his country for 30 years. He retired at the rank of Command Sergeant Major in 1981. He received his GED while in the U.S. Army. And while serving overseas, Milton met Michiko Nakandakari of Itoman, Okinawa, Japan. On December 15, 1955 they were united in marriage. They shared over 56 years of marriage together and were blessed with two children. Milton was a decorated combat veteran of both the Korea and Vietnam Wars. He also served in Germany, Japan, Okinawa, and Thailand. He received many decorations including Combat Infantry Badges, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Legion of Merit. Following his retirement from the Army, Milton worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a part-time mail carrier in Waynesville, until 1992, when he retired full time. Throughout those years and following, Milton was active in civic and fraternal organizations contributing to the welfare of his community. For his contributions, he was nominated Waynesville-St. Robert 1997 Citizen of the Year. He received certificates from the Grand Lodge of Missouri Masons, the Scottish Rite, and the Shriners for serving 50 years in each organization. Milton was a member of Plato Lodge No. 469 and Plato Chapter No. 240 for 52 years. He served as Worshipful Master in 1991 and as Worthy Patron 13 times. As editor of the Harry S. Truman Chapter No. 152 of the National Sojourners, he published 224 newsletters and received the Dallas Kroll Bulletin of the Year several times. He was a member of the Heroes of ’76 National Sojourners. He also received commission as a Kentucky Colonel. Milton was patriotic and had a deep love for his country. This love was demonstrated by concern for our flag and its proper display. He collected an extensive library on the history and etiquette of our flag. He was active in this area and wrote many articles, gave talks, and conducted ceremonies. He also actively studied genealogy; his efforts led to the family’s certification as Wisconsin State Pioneer Family for lineage established in Wisconsin prior to 1850. As a hobbyist, he collected stamps and was an authority on those issued about Masonry, Cancer, the American Flag, AIDS, and drug abuse. His counsel and guidance on many subjects were highly valued. Milton was devoted to his wife and family and greatly enjoyed family gatherings for meals and holidays. Milton was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Vernon Youmans and Gilbert Youmans; one sister: Agnes Kinney; and one son: Ian Youmans. Milton is survived by his wife Michiko Youmans; two children: Michael Youmans of Tulsa, OK, and Mary (Mitchell) Linneman of Troy, IL; two grandchildren: Miranda (Troy) Irvin of Highland, IL and Micah Linneman of Troy, IL; one great grandson: August Irvin of Highland, IL; and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, October 22, 2012 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with LT Jin Choi, CHC, USN officiating. The songs “Amazing Grace” and “Last Farewell” were played. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and may be left at the funeral home.

CSM (Ret) Milton Peter Youmans

January 27, 1934 - October 17, 2012