John Taylor

John L. Taylor, 89, passed away on May 3, 2016 at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, IL. Born October 30, 1926 in Sterling, IL to James H. and Della (Stocking) Taylor; he married Joanne H. Taylor on July 30, 1950, in Princeton. He was an exceptional high school friend. Friendships extended across class lines and endured for more than seventy years. His athletic prowess is still remembered. “Johnnie” was a ball-player! His passion and love of sports was passed down to his children and grandchildren. He smiled while watching them play. He served in the US Navy from 1944-1946. He proudly served with his three brothers. He did not talk about it, but he was a proud American. He was a river boat pilot, pushing barges for 42 years on the Chicago, Illinois, Ohio and the upper Mississippi rivers south to New Orleans. John even helped the US Coast Guard by breaking ice during winter months. His service was recognized multiple times, but not that he would report. Pushing barges along twisted rivers was a topic he loved to talk about. The river was his life. The river’s curves could not contain him; he mastered them all. He volunteered for the Kiwanis Club-Gold Coats of Princeton, serving as President and selling peanuts to raise laughter and money. Volunteerism was fun for him. Surviving are a daughter, Cheryl Drake (Doug) of Princeton, a son Brad (Patty) of Grand Junction, CO; two grandchildren, Zach (Gretchen) Taylor of Littleton, CO, Emily Woolf (Kevin) of Fort Worth, TX, and five great grandchildren, Bronsen Woolf, Quentin Taylor, Stella Woolf, Peyton Taylor and Grant Woolf. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Joanne Taylor; one grandchild, Patrick Taylor and one great-grand child Kaia Taylor, three sisters and three brothers. Visitation will be held at 11 am on Monday, May 9 at The First Lutheran church in Princeton IL followed by Funeral Services also at the church. Burial will take place at Elm Lawn Memorial Cemetery after the services. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left at www.norbergfh.com.

John Taylor

October 30, 1936 - May 3, 2016