79 of rural Abingdon, passed away unexpectedly Friday, February 12, 2016.
He was born February 18, 1936 in Galesburg, the son of David N. and Esther F. Quick Youngren. He married Mary Sue Watters on November 15, 1958 in Galesburg. Mary Sue passed away in 2009. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Marian Wright and Patsy Bonney, and two brothers, Harrison and Henry (Hap) Youngren. A brother, John Youngren, lives in Kure Beach, North Carolina.
David is survived by three daughters, Jane (Darren) Stevenson of Galesburg, Marcy (Tom) Simkins of Galesburg, Cheryl (Steve) Bloomer of Roseville, and one son, Bill (Lise) Youngren of Champaign, Illinois. David’s pride and joy were his 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, Jake (Brittany) Gibson and their children Brence and Brooklyn of Texas, Adam Pacheco and his daughter Izabella of Galesburg, Alex Pacheco and her son Giovanni of Galesburg, John Simkins of New York, Jane Simkins (fiancé Trey Yocum) of Macomb, Amanda Bloomer of Iowa, Stephanie (Emily) Bloomer of North Carolina, Cassie Bloomer of North Carolina, Kaleb Bloomer of Iowa, and Billy Youngren of Abingdon.
Dave grew up on Maple Avenue in Galesburg and had the run of the town in his early years. He was confirmed in baptism at Trinity Lutheran Church in 1949. Dave attended Galesburg High School and graduated with Mary Sue in the Class of 1954. He served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S. Shenandoah being honorably discharged in 1957.
He worked as a mechanic at Dohrn Transfer and was a driver for Burlington Northern truck lines making many deliveries in Galesburg. He could and often did talk at length on the location and character of the many stores and shops located in Galesburg throughout the 1950’s and 60’s. He later drove the mail truck for his brother-in-law, Gus Kasparie, making friends with the postal workers in the many small towns around Galesburg. He also worked for Ferris Moving & Storage in Galesburg.
As a youth and as a Great-grandfather, he was a Boy Scout in every sense of the word and could recite the 12 points of the Scout Law on request. He was quick to offer a hand and never missed the opportunity for a road trip to help a family member in need with a faulty automobile, home repair, or trip to college. He had a solid grip on his beliefs that was mirrore in his unforgettable handshake.
In mid-life, he yearned to be a farmer and, in preparation, passed perhaps his only college class in swine production. With Mary Sue at his side, they moved the family from Henderson to a rough farm east of Abingdon in the 1970’s and began a grand experiment and experience of rural living. From his old tractors to his hat and coffee cup, he loved John Deere green. He was a great supporter of Commando football, feeding the wood-burner, and raging on-going mowing battles with Bob across the road. He was well-read in history and fiction. He was a grand story-teller. His ’46 and ’50 Ford trucks are testament to his tinkering talents and his abilities with a golf club, though many, were few. But he was always a great half of any two-some whether with Mary Sue, in a golf cart, tending an overgrown garden, or passing the day with dogs Buddha and Dobbie saddling up to his side. Undoubtedly though, Dave’s greatest and proudest achievements were serving as the “Mentor” to his grandkids whom he continually praised and adored through his actions and words.
Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of David’s life will be held on Saturday, February 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the home of Marcy & Tom Simkins, 767 N. Academy St. in Galesburg. As requested by Mary Sue and David, their ashes will be buried together privately at Memorial Park Cemetery in Galesburg. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Abingdon Food Pantry, Blessings in a Backpack, and the Feed My Lambs Program. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.