Raymond Gene Taylor, 85, Rushville, died Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at his home.
He was born December 5, 1935 in Beardstown, the son of Lyle and Mable Parks Taylor, Sr. He married Nancy Conrad and they divorced. He later married Donna Icenogle on August 19, 1973 and she preceded him in death on June 21, 2019.
He is survived by his children Misty (husband Roger) DeVore, Julie (husband Mike) Bartlow, Mark Taylor, Tracy (husband Shane) Schmidt, Bryan (wife Jenni) Taylor, Tracy (wife Lori) Brasel, Vicky (husband Tony) Thomas, and Nick (wife Cindy) Brasel; eleven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; four brothers, Keith O’Hara, David Taylor, Lloyd Taylor, and Melvin “Bud” Taylor; two sisters, Hazel Merrick and Mary Bell; numerous nieces and nephews, and a special friend and caregiver Sally Bridgman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, eight brothers, Kenny O’Hara, Lyle, James, Robert, Ivan, Mervin, Floyd, and Jerry Taylor, and a sister, Shirley Applegate.
Raymond attended Beardstown Schools and then joined the United States Navy. He worked for Kent Feed, as a police officer even serving a period as Beardstown Chief of Police and retired from Cargill in the maintenance department. He was a member of Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post #1239 in Beardstown. He was naturally athletic and had a love for golfing and bowling. Raymond won many golf tournaments including two senior golf championships and bowled two perfect games during his lifetime. He liked listening to country music and traveling. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears Fan. He will be missed by all and remembered for his love of dancing.
Funeral services were held at Monday, May 24, 2021 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown with the Rev. Fred Fritz officiating. Military honors were conducted by Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post #1239. There was no burial.
Memorials have been suggested to Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post #1239 or Cass/Schuyler Area Hospice. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.
