Claude E. Young, Jr.'s Obituary
Claude E. Young, Jr., 97, of Forsyth, passed away Friday, September 6, 2019, at Hickory Point Christian Village in Forsyth.
Claude was born August 25, 1922, in Decatur, IL to Claude and Marie (Elkins) Young. Claude graduated from Decatur High School and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. Claude married Jean Davis and they were blessed with 57 years of marriage before she passed away in 2004. Claude was a railroader, working for Wabash/Norfolk & Southern. He retired as a Conductor after 41 years of service. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and also attended First Congregational United Church of Christ. In retirement, Claude remained very active, volunteering to deliver Meals on Wheels, serving as a local election judge, and continuing to travel whenever he had the opportunity.
Claude was a sports enthusiast who was fortunate to be able to attend the Indianapolis 500, the 1984 Summer Olympics, Rose Bowl, World Series and countless U of I football and basketball games. He was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Claude never met a stranger and always had a good word and a smile for anyone he met. He was very proud of his large family and was a loving father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know him. The family wishes to thank the staff of Primrose Retirement Community and Hickory Point Christian Village for all the care they gave Claude in his last few years.
He is survived by his sons, Steve (Barbara Quinton) Young of Aptos, CA, Richard Young of Decatur, Bob (Diane) Young of Long Creek; his daughters, Peggy (Gerald) Ruff of Forsyth and Patricia (Mark)Tippit of Decatur; grandchildren, Matt (Joanna)Young, Ben (Farrah)Young, Jennifer Ruff, Katie Tippit and Luke (Amber)Tippit; step-grandchildren, Tiffany(John) Schenkel, Travis Tanzyus, April (Larry) Lehane; great-grandchildren, Anna Young and Alexander Young; step-great-grandchildren, Dalton Sanderlin, Madison Hendricks, Ian Tanzyus, Cassidy Lehane and Lauren Lehane.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jean Young; brothers Harold and Charles; sisters, Barbara Chamberlain and Betty Fear; daughter-in-law, Mimi Young; and step-grandson, Aaron Tanzyus.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Claude E. Young will be 11 a.m. Friday, September 13, 2019, at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 12, 2019, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery where full military rites will be provided by the Macon County Honor Guard. Memorials may be directed to First Congregational United Church of Christ 3465 North MacArthur Road, Decatur, IL 62526 or Grace United Methodist Church 901 N Main St, Decatur, IL 62521.
The family of Claude E. Young, Jr. is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the complete online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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