Billie "Bill" Duane Young, 87, passed away peacefully on Nov. 21, 2015, surrounded by his family. His unbelievable strength, supportive wife and family, and God assisted him to peace in his final days. He was born to Dwight and Charita Young on October 27, 1928 in Springfield, MO, the third of five sons. His childhood was spent in the area, and he graduated from Strafford High School in 1946. Bill was united in marriage to Naomi Kennemer on February 28, 1953. To this blessed marriage two children were born: Greg L. Young and Diane Young Morgans. Bill never met a stranger, and was known for his strength, kindness, and friendliness. There was a lifelong passion for cars; he had a story and a picture of every car he'd ever owned. Bill's love of tinkering and his patience meant that he could fix anything that needed it. He was a huge fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the MSU Basketball Bears, and he helped Naomi keep the most beautiful yard in the neighborhood. Bill was a career life insurance agent for Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, a dedicated member of Schweitzer United Methodist Church for over 50 years, and a longtime volunteer for the Springfield Visitors Bureau. Proceeded in death by his parents, his step-mother Ollie, and brothers, Kenneth and Laurence Young, Bill has left a legacy of love in his wife, Naomi; his son Greg with wife Beth and their sons Bryant and Drew Young; and his daughter Diane with her daughters, Ashton and Tiffany Morgans, and fiancé Rick Tallant. Bill is also survived by his brothers Jim (Mary Lynne) and Jerry (Judy) Young, sister-in-law Nancy Young, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and beloved friends. A memorial service will be held Tues., Dec. 1 at 11:00 a.m. (visitation at 10:00 a.m.) at Gorman-Scharpf in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Schweitzer UMC (2747 E. Sunshine, Spfd., MO 65804) or Seasons Hospice (1831 W. Melville Rd., Spfd., MO 65803). The family wishes to thank the staff of Ozark Riverview Manor and Seasons Hospice for their care and compassion.
