Howard "Wimp" Young Jr.

ILLIOPOLIS - Howard "Wimp" Young Jr., 79, of Illiopolis passed away on Sunday, January 13, 2013, at Decatur Memorial Hospital. His long struggle with health problems is over, and he is now at peace. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 17, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Fullenwider-Park Funeral Home, 432 Seventh Street, Illiopolis, IL. His life will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Friday, January 18th at Fullenwider-Park Funeral Home in Illiopolis. Burial with military rites will be at noon on Friday at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Perry Young Scholarship Fund, C/O Prairie State Bank, 327 Fifth Street, Illiopolis, IL 62539.

Howard was born in Lanesville, IL, on December 26, 1933, the son of Howard and Mary (Roher) Young. After graduating from Illiopolis High School, he married the love of his life, Rosella Ervin, on June 19, 1955. He was a US Army Veteran serving as a Specialist Fourth Class from 1956-1958. Howard served his community as a Justice of the Peace from 1959 - 1961. As an entrepreneur, he was the co-owner of Howard Young and Son Trucking, and was the founder and owner of HY Copters and Young's Warehouse. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rosella; his daughter Penny (Dennis) VanBaale and granddaughter, Haley of San Diego, CA; his daughter Peggy (Bryan) Rishe and grandsons Patrick and Landon of Charlotte, NC; son Phillip Young and grandsons Grant and Noah of Naperville, IL; a sister, Norma (Young) Meister of Lady Lake, FL; and a special, uncle Clarence "Jack" Roher of Sherman, IL; and a dear sister-in law Sandy (Ervin) Bowen of Park Ridge, IL. He was preceded in death by his son, Perry Young, and parents, Howard D. Young, and Mary (Roher) Young.

Howard founded the Illiopolis girls' summer softball program and was a softball coach for many years. He was a Weblos Outstanding leader from 1968-1971. Howard was a generous man with a gentle, caring spirit, and he loved cooking and feeding others. His home was always open to all. Traveling was a passion, and Las Vegas was a favorite destination. His bright smile, quick wit, and sense of humor will be missed by his family and friends to whom he was devoted.