John Thomas "Jack" Taylor, age 82, lifelong resident of Troy, passed away Saturday, May 1, 2004 at Anderson Hospital, Maryville, Illinois. He was born August 30, 1921 to James Arthur and Josephine (Buff) Taylor in Troy, Illinois.

Jack was a carpenter by trade, owning and operating Accurate Construction and Erection in St. Louis until his retirement in 1982. He was past Commander and Life Member of Troy VFW Post 976, Life Member of Troy American Legion Post 708, and LifeMember of St. Louis Carpenters Local 63. Mr. Taylor was a Veteran of the US Marine Corps, serving during World War II, and the Korean Conflict Recall. He was also retired from the Troy Fire Department. Jack was a hard worker, yet he enjoyed reading, fishing, traveling and playing the piano.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Carol (nee Shaver) Taylor of Troy; five children, Patricia Ann Willette of Arnold, Missouri, Kathleen Barnes of Tulsa, Oklahoma, JoAnn (Richard) Buddemeyer of Troy, Nancy Fiesler of Mt. Zion, Illinois, and James (Melissa) Taylor of St. Jacob; two step-sons, Scott Taylor of Crystal City, Missouri and Fred Taylor of Troy, Illinois. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Alicia Lee, Jennifer Hilton, Matthew Buddemeyer, Joseph Buddemeyer, Meghan Buddemeyer, Amanda Fiesler, Meredith Fiesler, Lance Taylor and Lindsay Taylor; and one great grandson, Isaiah Hilton. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert A. Taylor in 2000.

Visitation: 3:00 - 9:00 pm, Monday, May 3, 2004 at Laughlin Funeral Home.

Funeral Service: 10:00 am, Tuesday, May 4, 2004 at Laughlin Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Troy VFW Post 976, Troy Fire Department, or to Tri-Township Library.

Interment: Friedens Cemetery, Troy, Illinois with military honors.