Charles E. "Gene" Young, 79, of Carmi passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro, IL. He was born in Carmi, IL on February 8, 1943 the son of George Edward and Estella (Dunham) Young. Gene married Shelby Young in 1982 and she preceded him in death in 2000. Gene faithfully served his country joining the United States Navy. After 22 years of service, Gene retired as a Senior Chief Electronics Tech. He went on to work for BAE Systems in Maryland before retiring after 16 years. Gene returned to Carmi in 2004 and became active in the Carmi American Legion and VFW where he served as Post Commander at both organizations as well as serving on the Military Full Honors Detail. He was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Carmi.Gene is survived by two step-daughters, Tina Felitsky of Maryland and Dawn Moore of Florida; several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Meagan Bowers who he helped raise; a nephew Mike (Jeanie)