John Milton Young
Our Music Man has joined the band in Heaven.
John Milton Young of Bradenton, FL, born October 3, 1932, in Decatur, IL, son of Neil Young and Alvene (Price) Young died peacefully on October 20, 2024. John’s two siblings, both living, are sisters Ann (Young) Marohn and Steve (Marianne) Young.
John graduated from Decatur High School in 1950 and went on to earn a Music Education degree in 1954 from the University of Illinois in Champagne/Urbana.
He married Marda (Hastings) Young in 1954 and was then drafted into the U.S. Army, stationed at Ft. McClellan at Anniston, AL. After the Army, John rose through the ranks at Sears Roebuck and Company while raising five children; Christa Young, Adria (Steve) Akerson, John Young, Marisa Young and Stuart Young.
John was further blessed with four grandchildren; Katie (Steve) Dumire, Dana (Wyatt) Johnson, Becky (Corey) Schommer, Ben (Kayleigh) Young, and five great-grandchildren; Nolan, Aubrynn, Haven, Charley, and Tristan.
Music, theatre, travel, and the joy of being with friends and family remained an integral part of John’s life, in every community he lived.
John was truly a man of two eras. Never one to turn from a challenge, John continued his education for a Master’s degree in the late 80s and became an instructor in Music Theory and Appreciation at Richland Community College in Decatur, IL.
During this time of growth and change, John married Janie (Dowell) Young in 1990 (her sons are Michael (Christine) Hagan and Bradley Hagan). He fulfilled a life-long dream of moving to Florida where together they enjoyed 34 years of shared passions.
While proficient in many instruments, the piano remained primary and he played at Marina Jacks in Sarasota, FL, with the Island Swing Band in Bradenton, FL, and for all in earshot wherever a keyboard could be found.
Later in life, John accepted Jesus as his savior so we know he is most assuredly in heaven.
A private memorial celebration of life will be held in April. Please consider making a donation to Tidewell Foundation. Tidewell Hospice House of Bradenton, FL took such loving care of John and his family.
