Loise Eugene "Gene" Young

Loise Eugene “Gene” Young, 81, passed away at 12:55 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, at his home in Avon. 

Gene was born on May 5, 1933 in Fulton County, Illinois to Loise L. and Verna (Lowe) Young; Gene was their only son.  Gene married Donna L Hite on Dec. 14, 1963, in Avon.  She survives along with their son, John David and wife Courtney (Farrar) Young of Scales Mound, Illinois and a sister, Judy Shover of Abingdon.  He was preceded in death by two sisters.

Gene graduated from Avon High School in 1953. He attended the University of Illinois. He later entered the U.S. Navy, serving as a Seabee in the Philippines. 

Gene and his father were contractors in and around the Avon area for 20 years. Gene then went to work at Western Illinois University as a carpenter for 20 years, retiring in 1995. He was a carpenter by trade and enjoyed making furniture as his hobby. He also enjoyed traveling, antiquing and genealogical research. 

Cremation will be accorded with burial in Avon Cemetery at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Avon Fire Department or the Avon Public Library.  Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Galesburg is handling arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.