Kevin Taylor, 70, died Friday, October 4, 2024, surrounded by his friends and family, holding hands with his loving wife and daughter.

Kevin was born December 16, 1953, in Decatur, IL, to Cliff and Betty (Hawkins) Taylor. He graduated from Eisenhower high, where he played football. He went on to work at Sunbeam Bakery (a.k.a. Purity/Interstate Brands) for 35 years as a shipping foreman. He also was a very talented handyman, capable of most every tool of the trade; Kevin worked all around the area.

He met his wife, Janice Barr, his dental hygienist, in the dental chair. They married in 1989. They had a daughter Mattie Joella, who is their absolute pride and joy. He enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, hunting, and most of all, loved riding his numerous Harleys over the years. Kevin treasured his beloved Bernedoodles, Stella and Remi, and feline Jo-Jo.

Kevin fought a long battle with cancer for 6 ½ years with relentless relapses. He is now out of pain and suffering and resting peacefully in heaven.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years; daughter, Mattie Roberts (Luke); in-laws, Jack and Lorraine Barr of Decatur, IL; brother-in-law, Jeff (Laurie) Barr of Lincoln, Nebraska; uncle, Jimmy Dearduff (Kathleen) of Litchfield, Illinois; nephews, Spencer Barr, Collin Barr (Kelsey); Riley (Peyton) Barr; and niece, Erin Barr.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ron; infant brother, Dale; in-laws, Bob and Joan Hedgcock; family dog, Charlie; cats, Buddha, Mouse, Que Pasa, and a multitude of other Persian kittens.

Per his request, his wife is honoring his wishes with no visitation or funeral. A celebration of life cookout will be in the Spring.

Central Cremation Center in Forsyth, Illinois has been entrusted with his arrangements. He was cremated and his brother-in-law, Jeff, will take him on his final motorcycle ride with his wife carrying his ashes.

A very special thanks to his dear friends and caregivers, who never hesitated to provide whatever help was needed – Brad and Julie Kerschner, Keith and Mary Morrow, Kelly Nichols, all of Decatur, Illinois, and Sue Kramer of Minneapolis, MN; to Dr. Kairouz, Tina and staff at Cancer Care, to the CVICU unit at St. John’s Hospital, where Kevin’s daughter is charge nurse; to the entire staff of nurses and the doctor who went over and beyond to make him comfortable and filled his last days with humor, new friendships, love and tender care, thank you all so very much.

Kevin was a loving husband, father, brother, nephew, uncle and friend who would help anyone if he could.
He is so loved and will be missed so much.

Until we meet again, ride high in the sky…