Bud and Velda Young have been chosen to serve as the grand marshals for Tabiona's Fourth of July celebration. The couple has supported and attended almost all of Tabiona's community events since they moved to town in 1958.

Bud, the oldest of five boys, was born to Bert and Mariam Young on April 22, 1933, and grew up in Fruitland and Duchesne. At 20, he joined the Army and served for two years during the Korean War. Shortly after returning home from the war he met Velda Jones at a dance in Fruitland. They married on July 29, 1955, her 26th birthday.

Velda, the sixth of seven children, was born to Heber and Lida Jones on July 29, 1929, in Tabiona, where she grew up and graduated from high school.

During their first three years of marriage, the Youngs lived in Fruitland. When they moved to Tabiona, they established permanent roots, and reared their five children: Valona, Steve, Sherilyn, Kathy, and Rod.

Bud worked for the Utah Department of Transportation for 36 years. He spent 11 years as the UDOT foreman in Tabiona. Velda worked for Duchesne County School District for 25 years in the Tabiona school lunch program.

“All the students remember Velda's good homemade cooking,” said the couple's daughter Kathy Oman.

Along with working full-time, Bud also farmed his land in Fruitland, and is now in the process of selling his farm to his nephew, Roger Young.

After a life of hard work, the Youngs are getting a chance to take it a little easier these days and spend more time with their family. Camping with their kids and grandkids, and having family reunions rank among their favorite activities.

They have 18 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.