Ernest Edward Young Jr.

Born June 17, 1937 in Peoria to Ernest and Evelyn (Glore) Young, he married Barbara Ann Martin on December 1, 1978 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are seven children, Julie Young-Edgcomb of Illinois, Scott (Shelley) Young of Pekin, Bill (Lindsey) Young of Leesburg, Virginia, Larry (Kim) Young and Sherry (Danny) Davila, both of Temple, Texas, Chad (Amy) Lamberson of Manito and Vashawn (Jaclyn) Young of Pekin; 12 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and five siblings, Audrey Strube, of Peoria, Joseph (Lydia) Young of East Peoria, George (Brenda) Young of Spring Bay, Marcie (Don) Kellenberger of Holly, Michigan and Jerry (Linda) Young of Washington.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Tyler Young and 11 siblings.

Ed was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Vietnam era.

He had worked at Caterpillar, Inc. where he worked as a manager in the metallurgical and chemical area for 40 years, retiring in 1997.

Fast Eddie, as known on the drag strip, Ed loved building and racing drag cars. He always said his favorite hobbies were racing and his wife, Barbara, which he lovingly called Super Dolly. He also enjoyed horseback riding, tinkering in his garage, hunting and camping. He will be remembered for sitting in his recliner where he would binge watch the news and play a competitive game of poker with friends and family.

His greatest enjoyment in life was his family, especially his children and grandchildren, whom he loved fiercely.

Ed was a member of Saint Ann’s Catholic Church in Peoria.

His funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 18, 2022 at Saint Ann’s Catholic Church in Peoria. Father Jeremy Freehill will be the celebrant. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday evening at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Entombment will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens. Military rites will be provided by the United States Army and Tazewell Military Rites Team.

The family request in honor of “Fast Eddie’s” love of drag racing, those attending please wear race attire.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com

.