Robert Young,

Robert E. Young, Sr., 84, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 in Tyler, Texas following a brief illness. Robert was born in Monroe, Louisiana on October 11, 1923 to John B. and Bernice Young. He graduated from Neville High School in Monroe. He attended University of Louisiana at Monroe (formerly Northeast Junior College) before entering the United States Air Force. Robert was a World War II veteran, serving his Country in the Western Pacific as a radio operator on a C-47 transport plane. His plane landed on the Japanese mainland prior to the surrender and was used as a radio relay from the U.S.S. Missouri to Washington, DC during the surrender ceremony. Robert was awarded the World War II victory medal, the American Theater Campaign medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign metal with three bronze stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. After being honorably discharged, Robert finished his schooling at Louisiana State University. He worked in the industrial paper sales industry for most of his adult life, retiring from Republic Paperboard in 1987. Robert and Avalyn, his wife of 58 years, retired to Hideaway, Texas. They recently moved to Tyler to be closer to their sons and families. In his retirement, Robert enjoyed volunteering in the community. He was active in Meals on Wheels, was a life member of Optimist International, a member of the Hideaway Kiwanis Club and in 2000 was awarded the Smith County Sheriff's Department volunteer award in Policing for providing more than 600 volunteer hours. Robert was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife Avalyn Wood Young of Tyler; son Robert "Bob" Young, Jr., and his wife Ginger of Tyler; son David Young and his wife Kathy of Tyler; granddaughter Christy McKay and her husband Tom of Haughton, Louisiana; granddaughter Olivia Young of Tyler; and great-grandchildren Drake and Lainee McKay of Haughton. A memorial service will be held in Tyler at Stewart Family Funeral Home; 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler 75703 on Sunday, December 30th, 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Saints Episcopal School, 2695 S Southwest Loop 323, Tyler, 75701, or a charity of choice. For more information or to express condolences visit, www.stewartfamilyfuneral.com.

Robert Young,

October 11, 1943 - December 26, 2007