Gerald "Jerry" E. Young

Gerald Edward “Jerry” Young of Hillsboro, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 15, 2025. He was born on September 20, 1938, on the family farm in Hillsboro to the late Harold and Ruth Young as the ninth of twelve children.

Jerry graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1957. He married his high-school sweetheart, Linda Sue Baugher, on January 18, 1959, and together they built a life rooted in family, faith, and hard work.

As a lifelong farmer, Jerry loved the land and worked it every day. Over the years, he also served his community through roles at Hillers Sheet Metal, in local townships, as a trustee of Waveland Cemetery, and as an elder at Waveland Presbyterian Church. He was an active Farm Bureau member and could fix anything—from a tractor to a playhouse for his grandchildren.

Family meant everything to Jerry. He and Linda shared many Sunday dinners, holiday gatherings, and summer pool parties filled with laughter. He was “Pope” to his grandchildren—Meagan and Nick Kenny; Garrett and Dana Young; Hannah Young; McKenna Law; Clint and Margie Law; and great-grand “Pope” to Alexis, Abigail, and Bo Young; Nova and Millie Raison; Henrietta Kenny; Rowan Law; and William and Annie Law. Family games of “Chickenfoot” dominoes and animated poolside fun are memories they will always treasure.

Jerry’s playful spirit shone through his quick wit, mischievous pranks, and that unforgettable hearty laugh. He never missed a chance to cheer at his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, especially football and wrestling matches, and he found joy in coon hunting, deer hunting, mushroom hunting, and participating in and watching tractor pulls.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Linda; his children Kimberly and Robert Law of Springfield, IL; Bradley and Dawn Young of Hillsboro; and Beth Young of Hillsboro; his sisters Alice DeRight, Betty Roper, Judie Volk, Bev Smith; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and countless friends and neighbors whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Russell Young, Rose Moseley, Harold Young, James Young, Burnetta Mohl, Robert Young, and David Young.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 20, at Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM, with a service beginning at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow at Waveland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Waveland Cemetery or the Hillsboro High School Wrestling Team.

Condolences may be posted online at www.basspattondeanfh.com

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