M. W. Brother Younger has been a life-long resident of Celina, having been born to Judge C. S. and Emma Younger in that community on December 19, 1898. He attended the Celina Public Schools, graduated from Ohio State University in 1920 and obtained his degree in law from that university in 1922.
Following service in the Armed Forces during World War I, he returned to Celina where he set up a law practice in that community. In 1929 he married Lucille Netts of Springfield, Ohio, who was a teacher in the public school system. To this marriage two sons were born.
M. W. Brother Younger was elected to a number of judicial offices, serving Mercer County as both Probate Judge and Common Pleas Judge. In 1952 he was elected a member of the Third District Court of Appeals, which sits in Lima, Ohio. He served in that capacity for 20 years and retired from that office in 1972. He remained active until the time of his death, having attended Grand Lodge in Cincinnati only a week prior to his demise. For many years he served as Secretary of the Board of Stewards of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Celina.
Masonic memberships of Brother Younger included Celina Lodge No. 241, F. & A. M., where he was raised a Master Mason on 6 August 1920. He served that body as Worshipful Master in 1926. He was a member of Celina Chapter No. 120 and served as High Priest in 1927. He joined St. Mary’s Council No. 81, St. Mary’s, Ohio, and was the Most Excellent Master in 1941 and 1942. The Orders of Knighthood were received in Ivanhoe Commandery and he served as Eminent Commander in 1939 and 1940. He served in 1961 as Eminent Prior of Ohio Priory, Knights of the York Cross of Honor. He joined the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Valley of Columbus in 1922 and on September 25, 1946, he was elected by the Supreme Council to receive the Honorary 33rd Degree. He was crowned a Sovereign Grand Inspector General at Cincinnati, Ohio, on September 24, 1947. In addition, he belonged to many other orders whose membership is predicated on Masonic membership.
In October of 1947 he was elected to the station of Grand Master of Masons in Ohio, a position in which he served with great distinction. His contributions to Masonry in the ensuing years were legion, having served on various committees of the Grand Lodge and performing such other functions as requested. Possibly one of his greatest achievements was the work which he did for the Ohio Masonic Home. For twelve years he was President of the board. His prudent counsel and wise judgment will be missed by all.
The passing of M. W. Brother Younger is a great loss to all who have been privileged to know him. His vast fund of knowledge was made available to all who needed it and he will be sorely missed by all of us who knew and loved him. It can be truly said of him that as he entered the Celestial Lodge above he was privileged to hear those welcome words, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
Funeral services were held on 2 November 1976 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Celina, and interment was at North Grove Cemetery, Section 19, Celina, Ohio.