Stephen Karl Young

Stephen Karl Young, 76, of Barry, IL, answered his final roll call to enter his heavenly home on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Blessing Hospital. Steve was born on February 20, 1949, in Hannibal, MO, to Karl (Penny) and Mary Ellen Stearns Young.  He was the first of seven children. Steve graduated from Barry High School in 1967.

Steve married his high school sweetheart, Kathryn, on June 6, 1971, at the United Methodist Church in Barry, IL, and they missed celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary by two days. To this union, a daughter, Ruchelle, and a son, Tommie, were born. Steve was deeply committed to his family, and was the kind of man who always put his family’s needs over his own.

Steve was a proud Veteran until his last breath. He was called to serve in the United States Army in March 1969. Steve served in the Vietnam War from November 1969 to December 1970, and while in Vietnam, he cleared the brush to make Ambush Alley and made several helicopter pads. Upon returning to the States, he finished his tour of duty at Fort Leonard Wood and ended his Army career in December 1971. Steve then joined the Army National Guard, with the 126th Supply Company, for 10 years. He was a proud member of the Pittsfield American Legion Post 152 Honor Guard.

Steve worked in Quincy, IL factories for 45 years, including Gardner-Denver, Titan Wheel, and Konstant Products. He also was employed by Pike County Housing, Pike County Sheriff’s Office, and Lowes. After retirement, he mowed yards in Barry, IL, Pittsfield, IL, and Hannibal, MO.

Steve was admired and respected by all, and enjoyed serving his community. He was a member of: Pittsfield, IL American Legion Post 152, Masonic Lodge of El Dara, IL, VFW of Payson, IL, and Shriners of North America.

Many of Steve’s accomplishments include: a volunteer EMT (he was the first chairman in Pike County, IL and made the first ambulance run), volunteer Barry police officer, part-time worker for the City of Barry, and Barry Food Pantry volunteer. He coached boys’ baseball and basketball, along with girls’ softball. Early in the Barry Apple Festival history, Steve helped with the Go Kart Races down Mortimer Street.

Steve is survived by; his wife, Kathryn; daughter, Ruchelle (Miles) Murphy of Crown Point, IN, and bonus son, Ken (Elizabeth) Owens of Liberty, IL; two granddaughters, Abygale (Nathan) Miller of Merrillville, IN, and Kaitlyn (Dannie Lynn) Murphy of Seattle, WA; three sisters, Sue Young, Caroline Richards, and Sandra Young, all of Barry, IL; three brothers-in-law, Charles Owens of Pittsfield, IL, and Johnnie (Maxine) Owens, and Bill Bainter of Barry, IL; and many nieces and nephews also survive.

Steve was preceded in death by; a son, Tommie, at birth; parents, Karl and Mary Ellen Young; grandparents, Charlie and Amy Stearns, Stanley K. Young and Peg Weddington; brothers, Mike Young and Stanley C. Young; and a sister, Linda Young; in-laws, Kenneth and Thelma Bainter, and sister-in-law Maria Owens.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 10:00 am., at Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL. Burial will immediately follow at Parklawn Cemetery in Barry, IL.  Visitation will take place on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 4:00- 7:00 pm at Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL. Masonic services will be held at 7:00 pm.  Memorials are suggested to be made to Pittsfield, IL American Legion Post 152. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL is handling the arrangements.

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