John Robert Young, 85 of Muleshoe, Texas passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in Vernon, Texas.

John was born Wednesday, September 21, 1938 in Clovis, New Mexico, to the late Winifred Riley Young and Johnnie L. Murrell Young. He graduated from Muleshoe High School in 1957.  While there, he won the Golden Glove Championship of New Mexico.  He attended Eastern New Mexico State University 1957-1958.  He married Marilyn Phillips on June 19, 1976 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

He was a passionate farmer.  He started helping on the family farm at the age of six.  After the loss of his parents as a young adult, he took over the farm and helped raise his younger brother, Jim.

John is survived by his wife Marilyn of the home, his sister Sue Rogers of Lubbock, Texas, and sister-in-law, Terry Young of Muleshoe, Texas. He is survived by his children, Robby Young and wife Cathy of Chillicothe, Texas, Laurie DeJong and husband Maxim of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Denise Young and Terrence Collier of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Russell Young and wife Lindsey of Quanah, Texas. He has ten surviving  grandchildren, including John Robert Young III and wife Heather, Caitlin Guggisberg and husband Josh, Dustin DeJong, Sigourney DeJong, Nemo DeJong, Hilaire Schenk and husband Matthew, Alexandra Hall, John T Young and wife Jordynn, Kara Young and Jeffrey Young. He is also survived by four great grandchildren, Caleb, Piper, and Sutton Schenke and Laney Young. He is survived by four nieces and nephews, Vanessa and Amy Rodgers and Greg and Chris Young and his wife Allison.

John was engaged in many agricultural projects throughout his life, including collaboration with John Deere, which advanced farming innovation and technological advancements.  He owned and operated Barry and Young Case Equipment.  This partnership included the ownership of a plane so he became a pilot.  In the 1990s, he was a member of the One Ton Club.  While more common now due to recent technological advancements, at that time it was a rare accomplishment to achieve.  This was awarded to him by Fibermax Corporation.  He was also named Farmer of the Year in Muleshoe.

John loved the land and was very protective of it, maintaining a good stewardship of it.  He started a bird conservatory with a portion of his land.  He was proud of his family legacy and worked his entire life to maintain and grow it.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Muleshoe.

John is preceded in death by his parents Winifred Riley and Johnnie Young, and his brother Jim Young.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 7, from 6-8pm at Sullivan Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 11:00am at the Big Valley Cemetery in Chillicothe, Texas, with Mr. Sam Feagley officiating under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home. Lunch will be served at Quanah Country Club following the service.

Memorials can be made to the Big Valley Cemetery 1383 FM 3295 Quanah, TX 79252