Albert B. Young

CHARLESTON, IL – Albert Baker Young, age 81 of Charleston, passed away on Friday, November 9, 2018 at his home.  Visitation will be held from 10:30 – Noon on Monday, November 12, 2018 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 2206 Fourth Street in Charleston.  The Memorial Service honoring and celebrating his life will begin at Noon on Monday, with Pastor Tom Corum officiating.  Military Services will be conducted by the Charleston VFW and Charleston American Legion combined honor guard.  Inurnment will be in Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan, Illinois at a later time.  It is requested that donations in his honor be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Lincolnland Hospice, or Wesley United Methodist Church.  Gifts may be left at the visitation/service or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.

Albert was born November 21, 1936 in San Pedro, California, a son of the late Courtney Parker and Irma (Willingham) Young.  He married Leta Blanche Post on December 25, 1955 and they shared 51 years of marriage prior to her death on March 24, 2007.  He later married Kay (James) DeLong on August 1, 2008 and she survives.  Also left to cherish his memory are his children, Larry A. Young and wife Rebecca of Dacula, Georgia, Ronald L. Young of Oceanside, California and Kathryn A. Lavery and husband Mark of Woodstock, Georgia; his grandchildren, Melissa (Billy) Harris, Kelly (Joshua) Long, Ricky (Julianne) Taft, Sarah (Mike) Cox, Meagan (Chris) Wiggington, Chelsea (Marquese) Haley, Emily Young, Brett Young, Tara Young, Mark (Alexandra) Lavery, McKenna (Tommy) Henderson, Madigan Lavery, Rylan Lavery and Reese Lavery; nine great-grandchildren with two more on the way; a former daughter-in-law, Betsy Young Jones; his brother, Richard Young and wife Connie and their family of Denver, Colorado; and three stepsons and their families, Douglas (Alicia) DeLong of Sullivan, Illinois, Jeffrey (Cheryl) DeLong of Boulder Colorado and Brad (Tia) DeLong of West Linn, Oregon.  In addition to his first wife, Albert was preceded by a son, Douglas B. Young.

Albert was a graduate of Eastern State High School in Charleston and furthered his education at Park College in Kansas City, Missouri where he attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.  He faithfully served his country for 20 years (1955 – 1975) with the United States Army, retiring as a Lt. Colonel.  He was a Veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was awarded the Bronze Star.  Following his military retirement, Albert worked as an insurance agent for Franklin Life Insurance Company.

Albert is a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Charleston and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).  He has a private pilot’s license and built and flew his own airplane after the age of 65.  He volunteered countless hours with Habitat for Humanity in the construction of houses, enabling families to experience the joy of owning their own home.  Albert was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing and some of his most memorable times were spent in Alaska on fishing trips with loved ones.

Albert’s greatest joys were his family – he loved them dearly.  He was simply the best father, grandfather and great-grandfather.   The special relationship he shared with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren has gifted them with loving memories of special times.