Merrill W. Younger, president of Younger Colorpress of Dallas until his retirement and a veteran of WWII, died peacefully at age 91 on Thursday, February 5, 2009, in Fort Worth. His family is grateful to the staff of Broadway Plaza and Vitas Hospice for the loving care which he received, and to his friends at Rosemont Christian Church and the staff and elders of University Christian Church, for providing him with many cards, visits, and communion. The second of five children born to Merrill and Elma Younger, "Pappy," as he was affectionately called by family and friends, was born on December 23, 1917, in McKinney, Texas. Following graduation from Boyd High School in 1935, he went on to study art, lithography, and design for five years at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. It was there that he received his nickname after playing the role of "Pappy" in a campus skit. His studies at OU ended when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. While stationed in Wisconsin, he married his McKinney sweetheart, Alice Snapp, on December 28, 1942, in La Crosse, and later entered the ETO in Normandy, France, where his division went ashore at Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion of 1944. As a member of the 12th Field Artillery, "Pappy" achieved the rank of Major and received the Bronze Star for his participation in the Battle of the Bulge, the capture of the city of Leipzig, and the liberation of Czechoslovakia. Following VE Day in 1945, he combined his original artwork, maps, and photos with the literary writings of his friend, Capt. Burton A. Smead, and managed to have a history of the 12th FA's experiences printed in Germany, with two copies of the resulting book distributed to each soldier before the group returned home, thus preserving "some of the fondest memories a soldier could ever have." The two friends later published a second book about the war entitled "Letters to Home." After the war, "Pappy" established a successful commercial printing business and served as president of the Dallas Litho Club. To the delight of family and friends, he continued to share his artistic skills and irrepressible sense of humor with all who knew him. As a life-long member of the Disciples of Christ, he was able to bring much joy to the congregations of East Dallas Christian Church and Rosemont Christian Church, as well as to the youth of Juliet Fowler Home by volunteering his time and talents in a variety of ways. "Pappy" was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice; his parents; two brothers, John F. Younger and Bobby Joe Younger; and two sisters, Cynthia Younger Houchin, and Margaret Younger Bryce. He is survived by daughters Carolyn Dowell and Joyce Ford of Fort Worth and Betty McKenzie of Houston, and son Tom Younger of Fort Worth; grandchildren Don Dowell, Darren Dowell, David Dowell, Laura McKenzie, Sarah Younger, and John Younger; great-grandchildren Lucy Mae Dowell and Charles "Iggy" Dowell; and a number of nephews and nieces. A graveside service will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, February 9, at Ridgeview Memorial Park, Hwy. 75, Exit 38, Ridgeview Drive, McKinney, Texas, with Dr. Charles H. Sanders officiating. A visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas. A memorial service honoring Mr. Younger's life will be held on Monday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at University Christian Church, 2720 University Drive, Fort Worth, with Dr. Alan Lobaugh officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Directors. Memorials may be made to: Rosemont Christian Church, 1304 S. Hampton Rd, Dallas, Texas 75208, University Christian Church, 2720 S. University Dr., Ft. Worth, Texas 76109 or Juliet Fowler Home, 1234 Abrams Rd., Dallas, Texas 75214.