John H. Taylor

John H. "J. H." Taylor, age 81 years, a resident of rural Vienna, IL. Passed away Friday morning, November 28, 2003, at 9:15 AM at the Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, IL.

J. H. was born November 11, 1922 in the Bloomfield Community (Johnson County) Illinois. J. H. was the son of Thomas J. Taylor & Dell (HARPER) Taylor.

J. H. was united in marriage to Frances Faith in Warrensburg, Il. on Sept 5, 1943. She survives.

Other survivors include 2 daughters; Carol Craig of Melbourne, FL. & Diane Stanley, and her husband Larry, of Estill Springs, TN; 2 granddaughters, Christi Craig, and her husband Andrew McAlister, along with their children, Tommy & Della McAlister, all of Decatur, GA; Cathy "Cory" Craig and special friend Jon Reilley of Seattle, WA and Christi & Cathy's Father, Charles Craig, of Vienna, IL; 3 step-grandchildren and 9 step-great grandchildren in Bethel, Alaska; 1 brother, Bob E. Taylor of Vienna, IL. Many nieces & nephews.

In addition to his parents, J. H. was preceded in death by; 5 brothers, Ralph, Lewis, Glendon, Warren & Joe; 2 sisters, Margaret and Marjorie.

J. H. was a graduate of Vienna High School. He entered the U. S. Army Air Crops. Serving from November 4, !942 - October 9, 1945. J. H. held the rank of T/Sgt and served as a radio operator & gunner onboard a U. S. B-17 Bomber on 30 missions over the European Theater of operation. Upon his return from Europe, J. H. served as a radio operator for General McGinnis and was based in Colorado Springs, CO. As a result of flying in the service, J. H. took lessons and obtained his private license.

He was employed in Decatur for 4 years, then returned to Bloomfield in Sept. 1950.  On July 25, 1958, he became a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers (I.U.O.E.) Local 318. He enjoyed this profession, and was honored with a plaque for 55 years of union membership.

J. H. loved God. He became a Christian at Taylor United Methodist Church as a youth. He served in all the work from Sunday School teacher to Lay Leader and helped in construction of the present church building. He saw how carrying the message of God's love was fulfilling and enjoyed the "Lay Witness Missions" out of Nashville, TN. Spreading the word in Illinois and all surrounding states from 1974 until 1996.

J. H. suffered a stroke and heart attack at home August 4, 2003 and fought to live until November 28 when he received his perfect healing and went to receive his rewards from our Father, God.

J. H. loved all God's creatures from hummingbirds to woodpeckers and squirrels. He fed and watered them year round. A goldfish pond in the yard completed his hobbies.

In accordance with his wishes, J. H.'s body has been donated toward the advancement of medical science.

A memorial service will be conducted in the Spring 2004. Additional service information will be announced at that time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Taylor Church, c/o Curtis Fairless, 2050 Old Bloomfield Road, Vienna, Illinois 62995.