Robert Melton Young, Jr.

Robert “Bob” Young , 79, of Houston, Texas passed away with his wife by his side on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Bob was born on March 5, 1944, in San Bernardino, California. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Norma Young. He is survived by his wife, Linda Young; sister, Janet Nelson; stepson, Brian Janosky and wife, Claudia; son, Kai Young and wife, Michelle; granddaughter, Ashley McDuffee and husband, John; grandson, Alex Young and fiancé, Julie Ytsma; granddaughter, Ava Janosky; grandson, Jack Janosky; and great-granddaughter, Penelope McDuffee; as well as extended family and good friends.

Bob grew up in San Bernardino and joined the army at 18. He served in Germany and retired as an SPC/E4. After leaving the Army, Bob went on to work for Arrowhead Water in California, where he won Route Man of the Year. He later moved to Houston to build out the Ozarka brand where he won numerous awards, trips and met his wife, Linda. He then continued his career in bottled water at Sierra Springs in operations and sales roles and then in the vending industry at Crane National Vendors in sales. Later, Bob came out of retirement to work at Wild Birds Unlimited. At every company, Bob’s personality resulted in him cultivating multiple lifelong friendships.

Bob had a few hobbies throughout his life: long distance bike events all over Texas (including the MS 150), all types of fishing, backyard gardening and traveling. Bob and Linda loved traveling together and were able to enjoy life to the fullest before he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. They took many trips including Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean Cruises, Las Vegas, St. Kitts, Italy and Paris (his favorite).

Bob received a double lung transplant in 2010 and was a transplant survivor for over 12 years. Bob competed in the Transplant Olympics in 2014 and won a medal in every event he entered. Giving back to the transplant community became a large part of his life and he was incredibly thankful every day for the extra years he had due to the transplant.

In his later years, Bob enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and great-granddaughter. Bob and Linda celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on May 1, 2022, which was a big goal for him. Bob always loved nature and was fascinated by animals. He spent many hours growing plants, flowers and fruit trees. Many people were jealous of his (super) green thumb as he would get hundreds of lemons or hundreds of flowers when everyone else’s plants were just struggling to grow. In the backyard, he also had every bird feeding contraption ever made, including a bird feeder camera where he could watch the birds feeding face to face in real-time.

Bob loved telling jokes and was the life of the party. He was passionate about life and was one of the most memorable people you would meet. Truly one of a kind. He enjoyed playing cards and dominoes and competing with family and friends. And he loved talking trash, whether he was winning or not.

He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him – Family, friends, nurses, doctors, mechanics, pharmacists, Sam’s Club greeters, lawn crews, mailmen, coffee baristas, garden and nursery store workers, delivery drivers…

We will always remember his ability to put a smile on people’s faces through his jokes, stories, humor, and endless supply of lollipops.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to either of these organizations:

Lung Transplant support at J.C. Walter Transplant Center

https://givingforms.houstonmethodist.org/GeneralGivingForm

(Initiative = J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center)

Houston Zoo Fund

https://p2p.onecause.com/houstonzoofund/donate

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.katyfh.com