Robert Young

ROBERT O. YOUNG

Palo

Robert O. Young, 74, died Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City from complications of a stroke.

A memorial visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at Shellsburg Presbyterian Church. In accordance with his wishes, Robert was cremated.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name and may be sent to: 6671 Benton-Linn Rd., Palo, IA 52324.

Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton is in charge of arrangements.

Robert was born Aug. 29, 1941, to Donald and Janette (Miller) Young in Cedar Rapids. He graduated from Shellsburg High School and attended Iowa State University in Ames until he returned home to farm the family farm.

He was united in marriage to Carol Purdy on Aug. 21, 1971, at Vinton Presbyterian Church. Robert farmed on the family farm until he retired in the mid-1980s. He served as a Benton County deputy sheriff and was a member of the special police force that provided security for area special events. Later he did janitorial work for Cedar Rapids-area churches.

Robert was a big fan of Old West history; he enjoyed watching train and tractor shows and reading Western literature. He enjoyed spending time with his family; visiting his children and riding trains.

Robert volunteered 20-plus years for Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids doing electrical, sound and video work for the marching band and music departments. He also took many trips with the marching band.

He is survived by his wife, Carol of Palo; his sons, Jeffrey of Palo, James (Trisha) of Cedar Rapids and Jerry of Ankeny; a daughter, Jennifer of Evanston, Ill.; three grandsons, Alex, Joey and Andrew, all of Cedar Rapids; and his sister, Janice (Art) Roseland of West Union.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; paternal grandparents, Orval and Belle Young; and his maternal grandparents, Robert and Nellie Miller.

Online condolences may be left at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.