Ronald “Ronnie” Gene Young, 90, passed into eternity Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at Life Care Center, Rochester.
Ronnie was born July 25, 1933 to the late Floyd E. and Margaret Miller Young in Miami County, Perry Twp., Indiana. On August 2, 1956, he married Carolyn Bunn of Fulton. They were married at the First Evangelical United Brethren Church in Waterloo. They were married for 52 yrs.; enjoying the country life, in Fulton county, the entire time. She preceded him in death, in 2008.
Left to cherish Ronnie's memory are two sons: Danny and wife, Lisa, Rochester, and Alan and wife, Julie, Poway, CA; one sister, Wanita Haupt, Ft. Wayne; 3 grandchildren: Danielle Sommers, Lucerne, Chelsey Young, and Griffin Young, both of Poway CA; 4 great-grandchildren: Madison Sommers, Whitney Sommers, Karlee Sommers and Reed Sommers, Lucerne; 1 great-great granddaughter, his special “Punkin”, Braelyn Mae Sommers; and several nieces and nephews. Ronnie is also survived by his faithful canine companion, Jack.
Preceding Ronnie in death are two sisters: Lois Judy Young, at birth; Donna Fields, Bedford, and one brother, Jim Young, Roann.
Like many young men at the time, Ronnie felt the call to defend his country during the Korean War and signed up with the United States Air Force before graduating from Gilead High School. He served honorably from 1951-56 as a jet mechanic in Texas, Alaska and Georgia. Upon discharge, he returned home to Fulton County, working at Beall Tire Shop, for 12 years, Van Duyne Block and Gravel, for 20 years and Rochester Middle and Riddle Schools for 14 years. He especially enjoyed being around all of the elementary kids, invigorated by their joy, energy and laughter.
Ronnie thankfully acknowledges the long-time friendships with Joe & the late Terry Moore, Dave & Trinity Lease, Junior & Sandy Cohagan, and Charlie & Beth Patkus. The tough times were bearable, and the good times were made better because you were willing to share them with him. He felt very blessed to count you as friends.
The family of Ronnie would like to personally thank the staff at Life Care Center for the love and care that he received during his time at their facility.
A celebration of the life of Ronnie Gene Young will be at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. Chaplain Jason See will officiate.
Friends may visit with the family from 4-7 PM on Monday, October 30, 2023 and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.
Burial will follow in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.
Military honors will be conducted by the Fulton County Veterans Honor Guard and the Wright-Patterson Air Force Honors Team.
Memorials may be made to the Fulton County Cancer Fund through the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, 227 E. 9th St., Rochester, IN 46975.
