Robert (Bob) Alan Young was born on August 20th, 1952, in Wichita, Kansas, to John and Charlene Young. He joined the Marine Corps at the age of 18 to serve as a Sniper and 0351 Attack Assaultman in the Vietnam War. After his sniper training, he was sent to the Philippines for a short time to guard the Embassy. While awaiting his departure to Vietnam, he made history by stopping a bank heist in Manila from the Embassy guard tower. He went on to serve two tours in Vietnam and was wounded by grenade and mortar fire, losing many of his close friends along the way. 

After the war he earned his Bachelor’s degree in finance from Wichita State University. Bob then knew that civilian life was not for him, and he answered the call to join the US Army as a Combat Engineer, where he remained until he retired with 20 years of service. While serving in the Marines and Army, he amassed a list of accomplishments far too great to list. Among his greatest achievements was earning his name on the wall at Camp Pendleton as a Top Marksman, his help in developing the Sapper course, as well as being one of only two to finish the first rotation of the course. He made over 1200 HALO jumps, authored multiple manuals, achieved the rank of First Sergeant while serving with the First Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas, served in combat operations in Grenada, Panama, and Desert Storm, and was stationed all over the world. After leaving the military, he worked for B&S Aircraft for 17 years in Wichita, Kansas. After retirement he moved to Table Rock Lake with his wife Debbie to enjoy the lake views, time with family, coin collecting, and Kansas City Chiefs’ football games. 

Bob was a husband to Deborah Young for 23 years, father to John and Alison, and stepfather to Michael Weaver (Summer) and Tabitha Pearce (Beau Means). Grandfather to Andreas, Alyssa, Kylin, Kennedy, Haley, Gibson, Madelyn, Magdalena, Samuel, and Elijah. Great-grandfather to Liliana, Ariella, and Grayson. He is also survived by his stepmother (Virginia Young) and his best friend (Phil Kennedy). He was preceded in death by his mother (Charlene), brother (Brad), son (John), and father (John). 

Services for a celebration of life and full military honors will be announced at a later date and held in Wichita, Kansas.