Robert E. Young Obituary (1946

Robert E. Young, age 76, of Emington, passed away at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, January 16, 2023, at Goldwater Care in Pontiac. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 23, 2023, at the Saunemin United Methodist Church. Burial will follow the service at Union Cemetery in Emington. A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. also at the church. Pastor Dan Knutson and Pastor Jane Bradford will be officiating. Memorials may be made to the Saunemin United Methodist Church or to the Saunemin Grade School. Hager Memorial Home is in charge of the arrangements. Robert was born on December 29, 1946, in Pontiac, to Haswell and Mary (Bunting) Young. He married Elaine Rich on September 3, 1967. She preceded him in death on October 18, 2018. Survivors include one daughter: Amy (Jason Denault) Young of Kempton, IL; niece: Jackie (Alan) Harms of TN; great nephew: Gregg Harms of Emington; two great-great nephews: Landon and Walker Harms; brother-in-law: Donald Harms of TN; mother-in-law, Bessie Rich of Saunemin; brother-in-law, Ed (Diana) Rich and family of Graymont; brother-in-law, Jim (Kay) Rich and family of Fairbury. He is also survived by many other family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister: Marjorie Hunter, and his beloved dog: Barney. Robert attended the Emington and Saunemin schools. He then went on to Eureka and ISU, where he achieved his master's degree. He was the principal of Saunemin Grade School and Saunemin High School for many years, also serving as a coach and teacher. He was also Principal of Sheldon Schools. He was a beloved coach who had a passion for coaching the basketball and baseball teams. He was a member on the County Board for 11 years and County Chairman for 3 years. Bob was a lifelong member of the Emington Congregational United Church of Christ. Robert had a passion for talking to people. He never knew a stranger and wasn't afraid to tell you exactly what was on his mind. He had a special way of communicating with everyone and he made such an impact on all those who he met. He loved taking country drives with his beloved dog, Barney, being outdoors, mowing, and farming. He was such an influential man who changed so many lives for the better. Robert will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. This obituary may be viewed, and a guestbook signed at www.calvertmemorial.com or visit us on Facebook.