John R. DeYoung, Jr.

Bartow – John Ray DeYoung, Jr., age 98, passed away on October 7, 2025, at Lakeland Regional Health and Medical Center. He was born on February 27, 1927, in Ludington, MI, the son of Ray and Eleanor (Laidlaw) DeYoung. He joined the U.S. Army and served in the Army of Occupation in Germany until November 1946. In 1947, John was one of six founders of the Pentwater Civic Band, Pentwater, MI. He married Jo (Stephens) DeYoung in St. Cloud, FL, on June 12, 1954. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Stetson University in 1952 and a Master of Music Education degree from Florida State University in 1957. He was Band Director at St. Cloud High School 1952-1960, Band Director at Bartow High School 1960-1984, and interim Band Director at Lake Wales High School 1986-1987. John was a member of McLeod Memorial Presbyterian Church. He is a past president of the Florida Bandmasters Association, Florida Music Educators Association, and Bartow Rotary Club. In 1990, he co-founded the Bartow Adult Concert Band. In 2004, John was inducted into the Florida Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame for his service to the organization. In 2016, an original march entitled “Mr. Bartow” was commissioned jointly by the Bartow High School Band and the Bartow Adult Concert Band, through the FBA, to honor the impact John has had on his students and community. John is fondly remembered for his warm intro, “It’s a great day for a concert in Bartow, Florida!”

John was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Jo S. DeYoung, and his son James M. DeYoung. He is survived by his son Jeff DeYoung (Connie) of Englewood, FL, and grandchildren Emma DeYoung of Tampa, FL, and Alex DeYoung of Americus, GA.

Private interment at Wildwood Cemetery, Bartow. A public “Celebration of Life” will be held Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2:30 PM at Bartow Civic Center in conjunction with the Bartow Adult Concert Band concert. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to McLeod Memorial Presbyterian Church or the Bartow Adult Concert Band. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com