Raymond Everett Taylor Jr.

Raymond E. Taylor Jr , 89 of Delavan passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

He was born on February 27, 1936 in Delavan to Raymond E. and Verneta Taylor. He married Jo Tally on January 12, 1958 in Terre Haute Indiana, and she survives. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary Helen Selk and Linda Mae Hamilton. 

Surviving are his brother Robert E. Taylor; his daughter, Kathy (Rocky, deceased) Roach; granddaughters, JoAnna (David) Smith and Kathryn (Andrew) Finley; great grandchildren,  Abigail and Hunter Smith, Colton and Ryker Finley, all of Delavan.

“Poppy”, as he was lovingly called by everyone that knew him, touched many hearts and lives. He joined the Navy after high school and went to boot camp in Great Lakes. After graduating boot camp, he went to Terre Haute Indiana to visit family. It was there that he met the love of his life, at Dog N Suds. They were married for 68 years. Poppy started his career in the Navy in 1955, worked his way through the ranks and served overseas and state side. Poppy retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer.  He was a Master Chief engineman and received various commendations for his work. He did a tour in Vietnam from 1970-1971. After being at sea for numerous years his last tour was at Great Lakes where he was the instructor of Engineman C school until he retired in 1979. After retiring from the Navy, he worked at Watson’s International in Tremont for 20 years as a salesman. When he was younger, he enjoyed driving and working on stock cars. He also enjoyed watching sports and tinkering on lawn mowers and cars.  He was a collector  of vintage clocks, and he built a grandfather clock. He enjoyed having family get togethers with the grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved going on cruises in his buggy(golf cart) around town. 

A visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm Friday, August 8, 2025 at Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan with military honors at 7:00 pm.  Cremation will be accorded following the visitation.  Burial will be in Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

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