Dr. Robert James Young

Dr. Robert James Young, 84, of Morgantown, passed away unexpectedly at Ruby Memorial Hospital on Thursday, January 14, 2016.He was born September 24, 1931 son of the late Lloyd L. and Christine Young.Robert was a native of Hobart, Indiana and went to high school in Miller, Indiana. Dr. Young stated that he desired to be known as "The Potato Man", and this is justified when one reviews his academic background. He obtained a B.S. degree in Biology from Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas in 1959, followed by a Ph.D. degree from Oregon State University in 1962. Dr. Young's first job was with the USDA-ARS in Greeley, Colorado where he first got acquainted with the potato. He was subsequently transferred to Orono, Maine where he worked with potatoes in Presque Isle. West Virginia University became acquainted with Dr. Young when WVU began to collaborate with the USDA in Maine. He joined WVU in the Division of Plant and Soil Sciences when a position working with potatoes became available in 1970. He remained with WVU as Professor of Plant Pathology until his retirement in 1993, specializing on diseases of potatoes and tomatoes. Dr. Young was a teacher and researcher in Plant Pathology. He was the major professor of several graduate students and had numerous scientific articles published on diseases of potatoes. Dr. Young was also a veteran of the US Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict. He was a longtime member the First Baptist Church of Morgantown and most recently a member of the Goshen Baptist Church. Dr. Young is survived by his wife, LaVonne Lyle Young, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage this past December; two daughters; Dr. Paula K. Young and Carrie S. Rose and husband Randall "Jim" Rose, Jr.; three grandsons, Joshua D. Isaacson, Michael J. Isaacson and Anthony G. Rose all of Morgantown; sister Barbara Boys of Anderson, IN; brother Gilbert Goodwin (Faye) of Michigan and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Maribelle and Darrell Gierhan of Utica, NE.Also surviving are several nieces and nephews and his faithful companions, Molly, Little M and Shadow who brought so much happiness each and every day. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death his birth mother Melvina Young and a brother Edward Goodwin. Bob's life left an indelible mark on each individual he encountered in so many ways.His love of family, enthusiasm for work and steadfast faith in his God has given us an extraordinary example to live by. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Memory of Dr. Young, to the Goshen Baptist Church 1070 Goshen Road, Morgantown, WV 26508, to continue ministries that were important to Dr. Young and his family. Memorial Service 02/06/2016 Visitation 02/06/2016