Robert "Bob" Eugene Taylor

Robert “Bob” Eugene Taylor, 87, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at Hopedale Nursing Home. He was born February 3, 1938, to Raymond and Verneta Stiles Taylor in Delavan, IL.  He married Judith Zimmer on February 1, 1964, at the Zion Methodist Church in Emden, IL and she survives. 

Also surviving is one son, Steven (Michelle) Taylor of Heath, TX; and one daughter, Lisa (Kent) Rodgers of Bloomington, IN; seven grandchildren, Julia (Dillon) Cron, and Sierra Rodgers of Bloomington, IN, Logan (Emily) Rodgers of Lansing, MI, Savannah (Laura) Webber of Indianapolis, IN, Jake (Shelby) Taylor of New Castle, OK, Eric (Sydney) Taylor of Roeland Park, KS, and Ben Taylor of Heath, TX; 5 great grandchildren, Landon, Lilah, Wesley, Willow and Isaac.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Raymond E. Taylor Jr.; two sisters, Mary Helen Selk and Linda Mae Hamilton; and two infant grandsons.

Bob served in the United States Air Force in Command-and-Control Development Division, in Bedford, MA. after graduating from Delavan High School.  After his service he entered Caterpillars apprenticeship program.  He continued working at Caterpillar for 42 years. 

He was a lifelong member on the Delavan United Methodist Church, where he was well known for his delicious gravy at the church chicken supper. He was also a life-long member of the Delavan American Legion.

Bob was an avid bowler and was proud of the fact he had bowled a perfect game of 300.  He spent many years coaching Junior Bowling.  Bob loved to cheer for his favorite baseball team, the Chicago Cubs. 

His funeral will be Monday October 20th at 11:00 am at the Delavan United Methodist Church.  Visitation will be one hour prior from 10:00 – 10:45 am.  Pastor David Kelly will be officiating. Burial will follow at Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan.  Davis Oswald Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. 

Memorials may be made to Delavan United Methodist Church, Common Ground of Central Illinois, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

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