Robert Allen Young, age 88, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Clay County Hospital in Flora, Illinois.
He was born on July 8, 1938, in Raccoon Township, Illinois, the son of Paul L. Young and Louise (Lee) Young. When Robert was two years old, his family moved to Xenia, where he spent the remainder of his life. He graduated from Flora High School with the Class of 1957.
On June 18, 1992, Robert married Rachelanne Keller in Carlyle, Illinois. Together they shared many years of love and companionship.
Robert devoted his life to hard work and the agricultural community. He was raised on the family farm, where they farmed and custom combined. Throughout his working years, he worked in the oil fields, as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver for Henne Construction before retiring. Farming remained one of his greatest passions, and he especially enjoyed raising swine and cattle.
He was an active member of Xenia Christian Church and was proud of his involvement with the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners, becoming a Shriner in 1996. Robert earned certification as a game warden and fish hatcher in 1959 and later got certified with the National Parks in 1961.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Louise Young; three brothers, Carl, Darrel, and Charles “Larry” Young; one sister, Betty Lou Eck; daughter, Peggy Young; and Godsons, Jerry and Terry Totten.
He is survived by his wife, Rachel Young of Xenia; his sister, Carolyn “Sue” Smith of Xenia; his son, Paul Allen Young and wife, Sandie, of Midland, Texas; his daughters, Billie Dean Young of Xenia, Daisy Smith and husband, Harry, of Bridgeport, Ollie Stremme and husband, Doug, of Sumner, and Jackquie Ambrose of Olney; step-sons, Robert D. Morton II and significant other Holly Kessler, Melvin Lynn Morton and Kent Dale Morton; stepdaughter, Rachelle L. Morton; along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Robert will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of farming and livestock, his dedication to family, and the friendships he built throughout his life. His quiet strength, generosity, and commitment to his community will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral Services for Robert Young will be held at Noon on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at his family farm in Xenia, Illinois. Memorial contributions can be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Judicial Watch or The Heritage Foundation and can be received at the funeral home. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com
