Bobby Ray Youngblood

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Bobby Ray Youngblood, who departed this life peacefully on March 14, 2026. Born on March 7, 1937, in the small community of Dongola, Illinois, Bobby was the son of the late Luther and Ruby Youngblood, who instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, faith and family; a moral compass that he carried throughout his life.

Bobby was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He graduated from Isaac Litton High School in 1955, marking the beginning of a journey that would touch many lives. In service to his country, Bobby joined the Army reserves on June 26, 1960, where he learned the importance of duty and camaraderie, experiences that shaped his character and enriched his life.

On June 7, 1958, Bobby married the love of his life, Nina Marie Childress. Together, for 41 beautiful years, they built a life centered around faith, family, and love. Their union was blessed with two wonderful children, Vickie (Jon) Peeler and Gary (Melissa) Youngblood, who were constant sources of joy and pride for Bobby. His sister, Melinda (Elliott) Cathey, shared a bond with her big brother that was as strong as it was affectionate.

After losing Nina, later in life, Bobby was incredibly blessed to find love again, marrying Barbara Keller on February 24, 2007. They shared a deep bond of family and faith. Together, they enjoyed 12 years of devotion, bliss and companionship. They also shared a passion for the St. Louis Cardinals and spent many hours watching games and cheering them on.

Bobby was known for his steadfast dedication to his community and church. As a long-standing deacon at Madison Heights Baptist Church, he was a beacon of faith and compassion, always willing to lend a helping hand or a listening ear to those in need. His presence in the church was not just as a leader but as a friend and confidant to many.

Family was the cornerstone of Bobby's life. He adored his grandchildren, Angela, Kevin, Brandi, Lauren, Ryan, and Madeline, and was blessed to witness the next generation through his great-grandchildren, Charli, Maddox, Lennox and Winsley. Each brought immense joy and laughter to his life, and he treasured every moment spent with them.

Bobby was preceded in death by his devoted parents, Luther and Ruby Youngblood, and his beloved wives, Nina Marie Youngblood and Barbara Keller Youngblood.

Bobby’s legacy of love and kindness will continue to live on through his surviving family, who will carry forward his values and spirit. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered. In celebrating Bobby's life, we remember a man of quiet strength, profound generosity, unwavering faith and unconditional love. He leaves behind a legacy of faith and family, a testament to a life well-lived and cherished. Though he may have left this world, his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace, and may we find comfort in the love he shared with us all.

A service to honor Bobby's life will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 12:00 pm with Pastor Terry Samples officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Visitation with the family will be held Wednesday 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm and Thursday from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation or the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA).