66-year-old Kenneth K. Young, Jr. of Salem, Illinois passed away February 21 at home, surrounded by his family.
Born August 23, 1953 in Mt. Morris, Illinois, he was the son of Kenneth K. Young, Sr. and Hazel M. (Johnston) Young who preceded him in death.
Ken will be remembered as the Charlies Chips distributor with routes in Salem during the 70’s. A great photographer, he worked with Olin Mills, and also as a private special occasion photographer for class reunions, weddings, and family celebrations. He was interested in antique clocks, and clock maintenance and repair. He would often introduce himself as “Mr. Cuckoo.” He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Altamont, IL. Dedicated to his family and friends, he loved spending time in Tennessee, especially Gatlinburg. At one family celebration in Gatlinburg, he found himself taken with feeding bears, many bears, at any place, like the cabin deck, at any time. He also loved collecting antiques, attending flea markets and always working for a “good deal.”
He married Janet M. Tennyson, September 14, 1970 in St. Charles, MO and enjoyed 32 years of marriage. He later married Toni Lynn Decker, July 23, 2015 in Gatlinburg, TN and she survives in Salem, along with his daughter Jennifer (Adam “Ace”) Dunn of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and step-children Chris (Lorraine) Decker, and Hollie (Drew Foutch) Branch both of Salem, Illinois. Also his grandchildren, Valerie (Keith) Baker of Glendale, CA, Blake (fiance Gabrielle of Centralia, Illinois, Gavin Decker, Avery Branch, Nolan Branch, Maykayla Foutch and Ethan Foutch all of Salem, IL, along with his nieces and nephews, Tanja (Bill) Meyer, Harvey IV (Faith) Evans, Heath (Leanna ) Evans, Chad (Anna) Holloway and several great nieces and nephews.
Also left to mourn his passing is his sister Sharon (Harvey III) Evans of Alma, Illinois, sister-in-law, Nanette Basham and her daughter April McCormick of Salem, IL, and his former wife Janet Routien of Fairfield, Illinois.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Frank Holloway and Jim Young.
A Family and Friends Gathering will be held from 11:00 a..m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 29 at the Sutherland – Rankin Funeral Home in Salem. Burial will be private.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, August 21 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
The family suggest memorials honoring Ken be made to the Donor’s choice and will be received by the Sutherland – Rankin Funeral Home, 310 N. Broadway, P.O. Box 97, Salem, Illinois, 62881, (618-548-1234) entrusted with the family’s care.