Joe R. DeYoung

May 30, 1955 - August 15, 2021

Joe R. DeYoung, 66, of St. Anne, passed away Sunday, August 15, 2021 at his home. He was born May 30, 1955 in Kankakee, the son of Joe R. and Lola (Allain) DeYoung. He married Bonnie M. Bires on July 16, 1977 at St. Anne Catholic Church. He was a Rural Letter Carrier with the United States Postal Service and was a man of many trades. Joe was a very strong man with even stronger morals. He never complained, was always honest, and was a man of integrity. He was beyond courageous. Joe always made sure to tell his family he loved them and that he was proud of them. Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, while watching bull riding, Nascar and his favorite westerns. He also enjoyed antiquing for cranberry hobnail fenton glassware with his wife. Most of all, Joe loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. One of the fondest memories the family shared together was being able to attend the 2016 World Series and watching the Chicago Cubs win, as Joe was an avid Cubs fan. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Bonnie DeYoung; three children, Jason (Melissa) DeYoung of Pontiac, Jamie DeYoung of Denver, CO, and Justin (Jessica) DeYoung of Elliott; five grandchildren, Alexis, Henry, Jack, Harrison, and Nellie; four siblings, Nancy Searle of Albuquerque, NM, Sally (Dennis) Mulder of Holland, MI, Richard (Jane) DeYoung of Donovan, and Jean Johnson of Papineau; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Ann DeYoung of Krakow, WI, Brenda (Fred) Pitts of St. Anne, Brent (Arlene) Bires of Vienna, and Bruce (Diane) Bires of Belleville, MI, and Beverly (Andy) Flowers of St. Anne; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joe is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Charles DeYoung; brothers-in-law, Dan Searle and Mike Johnson. Visitation will be held at Jensen Funeral Home in Kankakee from 2-6pm on Sunday, August 22, 2021. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, August 23, 2021, at Jensen Funeral Home, with Deacon Pat Skelly officiating. Prior to the funeral services, visitation will be held from 10 am until the funeral service. Burial will immediately follow funeral services at Oakwood Cemetery, Wichert. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.