Shelby Young, veteran newspaperman and Gazette-Mail Metro Putnam reporter for Charleston Newspapers for the last four years, died at his home on Thursday. He was 63.
By Robert Saunders
Metro staff writer
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Shelby Young, veteran newspaperman and Gazette-Mail Metro Putnam reporter for Charleston Newspapers for the last four years, died at his home on Thursday. He was 63.
While battling an infection and illness in recent weeks, Young continued to work covering Putnam County. His death was sudden and unexpected, according to his wife, Laura Jane Young.
"He enjoyed working for Metro Putnam as much as anything he ever did in print," she said.
Shelby Young, who lived at Scott Depot, was a lifelong West Virginia resident. He grew up in Spencer and was a graduate of West Virginia University. One of his first journalism jobs was as a photographer for the Dominion Post in Morgantown.
He worked for several state rural newspapers, including the Times Record, Tyler Star News, Clay County Free Press, Wayne County News and Putnam Post. Young had lived in Putnam County since 1997.
"Shelby loved showcasing the lives of people in the community," said Metro Editor Diane Smith.
During his career, Young worked in nearly all areas of print journalism. "He was an excellent feature writer, and an equally fine photographer," said Smith. "Plus, he also had experience with the business side of the industry."
By Robert Saunders
Metro staff writer
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Shelby Young, veteran newspaperman and Gazette-Mail Metro Putnam reporter for Charleston Newspapers for the last four years, died at his home on Thursday. He was 63.
While battling an infection and illness in recent weeks, Young continued to work covering Putnam County. His death was sudden and unexpected, according to his wife, Laura Jane Young.
"He enjoyed working for Metro Putnam as much as anything he ever did in print," she said.
Shelby Young, who lived at Scott Depot, was a lifelong West Virginia resident. He grew up in Spencer and was a graduate of West Virginia University. One of his first journalism jobs was as a photographer for the Dominion Post in Morgantown.
He worked for several state rural newspapers, including the Times Record, Tyler Star News, Clay County Free Press, Wayne County News and Putnam Post. Young had lived in Putnam County since 1997.
"Shelby loved showcasing the lives of people in the community," said Metro Editor Diane Smith.
During his career, Young worked in nearly all areas of print journalism. "He was an excellent feature writer, and an equally fine photographer," said Smith. "Plus, he also had experience with the business side of the industry."
For a time, Young was co-owner of the Times Record of Spencer, and was a past president of the West Virginia Press Association.
He also was a book publisher and co-authored several books, including "Killing Waters: The Great West Virginia Flood of 1985." The illustrated book covered the devastating flood that killed 48 people and did massive damage across the state.
The book sold more than 74,000 copies and raised thousands of dollars for flood relief.
Young was a railroad aficionado; his knowledge of railroad history in West Virginia was extensive, and he always enjoyed telling train stories. His interest sparked a keen affection for model trains as well, and he was a member of the local chapter of the National Model Railroad Association.
He was also interested in aviation. In the 1960s he earned his pilot's license, and owned a couple of small planes until he gave up flying in the 1980s.
As a reporter, Young wrote many stories covering 4-H activities across the state. "He was an avid supporter of 4-H clubs," his wife said.
Young is survived by his wife and two children, Jessica Young, a graduate student at Northwestern University, and Adam Young, a student at West Virginia University.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Chapman Funeral Home of Scott Depot, and were incomplete Friday evening.
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