Tilton, IL - Stephen A. Young, 84, of Autumn Fields Senior Living Community, Tilton, IL, passed away on January 19, 2026 at Hawthorne Inn, Danville, IL after a brief stay.

Stephen was born January 22, 1941 in Danville, IL, the son of Myron J. and Josephine (Campbell) Young. They preceded him in death.

Steve's family moved to Georgetown, IL in 1951 and he attended school there, graduating from Georgetown High School in 1959, as Valedictorian of his class. He attended and graduated, with honors, from the University of Illinois in 1963.

While attending the U of I, he met his first wife, Martha Miller. Although they later divorced, they remained close friends throughout their lives. In 1963, he joined the Public Health Service and was stationed in Portland, OR. He happily spent the next 60 years enjoying all the natural beauty and outdoor activities, the Northwest has to offer. While in Portland, he became interested in politics and was appointed as the Oregon State Republican Party Chairman (1975 - 1978), a position he felt honored to hold. After leaving the Public Health Service, Steve worked at several investment firms in the Portland area, retiring as the Vice President of Wedbush Securities in the Portland, OR branch.

In 1983, he married Patricia Schofield in Portland, OR. She preceded him in death. After Pat's death, he met and spent the next 20 years with his partner, Jean Bates, traveling extensively throughout the world, including a trip to Antarctica. She survives. Also surviving are his step-daughter, Leslie Corbin, Camas, Washington, sisters Susan Ford (Keith Mills) and Myrna (Alan) Poggendorf, Georgetown, IL, nephews Dwayne Grider, Cayuga, IN, Phil (Annette) Hummel, Georgetown, IL, Stephen (Nicole) Poggendorf, Carterville, IL, Beau (Kristi) Ford, Chatham, IL, niece Gail Scott, Carbondale, IL and several great nephews and nieces.

Cremation arrangements are being handled by Watson Cremation & Funeral Services, Danville, IL. Per his wishes, there will be no funeral services.