Richard W. Young, 89, died at 8:07 a.m. Thursday, April 25, 2013 at the Gateway Medical Center in Granite City. Born October 25, 1923 in Alton he was the son of Daniel and Ethel (Barnes) Young. Mr. Young served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and retired in 1985 as a machinist for Owens Illinois Machine Shop in Godfrey. He was a life member and past Grand Master of the Franklin Masonic Lodge. He was also a past Grand Royal Patron of the Amaranth. He was a life member of the VFW Post 1308, a member of the Eastern Star, and a member of the Knights Templar of Grand Commandry. On September 24, 1948 he married the former Mary Edwards in Alton. She preceded him in death. Surviving is a daughter, Vicki D. Young of Roxana and her partner, Tottie Plessa; three grandchildren and their spouses, Jason (Sarah) Auston of San Diego, CA, and their children, Zoey and Hailey Auston, Jamie (Greg) Page of Alton and their son, Matthew, Crystal (Rick) Burrell of Godfrey and their daughter, Abigale and son, Rick III, two adopted daughters, Christine Jacobs and Katie Cook, both of Roxana, and a nephew, Roger (Carol) Smalley of Shiloh, IL. He was preceded in death by his wife, a daughter, Patti Stark, and sister, Betty Smalley. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, April 29, 2013 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto with full military honors by the VFW Post 1308. Reverend Steve Rice will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family in care of Gent Funeral Home. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
