Chellis Eugene Taylor of Scottsdale, AZ formerly of Canton, IL died on Wednesday, October 16th, 2019. He was born July 16, 1931 at Graham Hospital to T. Chellis and Louise Negly Taylor. He graduated from the University of Illinois where he obtained a BS degree in Ag Economics. After serving in the US Air Force, he returned to the U of I where he graduated with a Juris Doctorate degree in Law. He practiced law in Canton IL for over 40 years and then served as a Fulton County judge until retiring in 2006. During his earlier years, he was actively involved in the community serving on multiple local and regional boards, notably MidAmerica National Bank and Graham Hospital. He loved people, was an avid reader, history buff, traveler, beloved father, brother, uncle, Christian, friend and mentor.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Marian Lock. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn Wagner Taylor and his children, Ann (Steve) Curry (Phoenix, AZ), Sara (Ted) McLees (Scottsdale, AZ), Susan (Fred) Van Sickle (Ithaca, NY), David (Susan) Taylor (Atlanta, GA); grandchildren, Matt (Misty) Curry, Rachel Curry, Aaron (Heather) Curry, Jacob McLees, Paul McLees, Kathryn Van Sickle, Colin VanSickle, Jonathan Taylor, Elliott Taylor; two great grandchildren, Taylor and Grace Curry; his brother Howard Taylor.
Gene wanted to be remembered for his work as a farmer, teacher, lawyer and judge.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, October 26th, 2019 at 11:00 AM at First Christian Church in Canton, where he and Marilyn were long time members. A visitation will be held prior to the service at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, Gene would be honored to have donations made to Fulton County IL Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), 23441 N. Chippewa Dr, Cuba, IL 61427. Donations may also be made to First Christian Church, Canton IL.
Beverly Koon
Judge Taylor was a kind and interesting man. He will be missed by many.
Elizabeth Haines
So sad to hear that Judge Gene Taylor has passed away, he was such a kind gentleman who treated Everyone fairly,and with respect. Such a smart man. Heaven has gained a great soul. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones during this most difficult time. RIP Gene Taylor, Fly high. God Bless.
Cindy (Payne) and Larry Dodd
Gene will be missed! He was a wonderful man, always with a smile on his face and love for people. He was a good Christian example! Our condolences to his family.
Cynthia Churchill
So sorry to hear of Judge Taylor’s passing I’m sure he will be missed tremendously he had such a great sense of humor and always wonderful advice. He truly was a pleasure to work with everyday. My condolences to Marilyn and family. May God be with you all
Amy Carper Haughawout
So sorry for your loss. I plan on being there on the 26th to help celebrate his wonderful life. Love you and send my prayers.
Dee Doubet
Gene has been a part of my life since I was a little girl growing up in Canton and in the First Christian Church. We spent even more time together after I became an adult and entered the work force as a court reporter. I worked with Gene regularly for 34 years as he advocated for his clients as a lawyer and then ruled from the bench as a judge. I always found him to be fair and just and he shared his love of life and good humor every day. I especially enjoyed our noontime walks as we watched the seasons turn in Oak Hill Cemetery, listening to Gene as he talked about all the families whose names we saw on the tombstones. Gene was a walking encyclopedia of family history in Fulton County. Marilyn and family, you have my deepest condolences. Gene will be missed immensely.
Colleen Riley
Such a terrible loss to lose a wonderful extraordinary man like Gene!!! He and Marilyn were the very heart and soul of our congregation. They were excellent mentors for my spiritual journey! Kind, loving, generous, faithful, and fun, he always had a big smile and a good word for me. This exceptional man left us with big footprints to fill. God bless and keep you Marilyn! And my condolences go to the family and friends who loved this blessed man!
Thomas E. Moore
I knew Gene Taylor as an Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity Brother at the University of Illinois, at Fourth and Daniel streets, during the 1950’s, and came to greatly admire his wisdom and insights as an undergraduate student. My sincerest condolences to his family at his passing.
Walter R. Kurth
Gene’s fraternity at Illinois was blessed to have him as the 1952 president. He was a man who loved others well both in his marriage and in his Christian walk. His smile and sense of humor will be missed.
Jerielle Young
Dear Taylor family,
We are sorry for your loss, and the loss of Gene for all of us. He was such a bright light, so wise, kind and generous. He cared deeply for others and had a true sense of justice, He and Marilyn made us welcome in their home whenever we came to visit in Canton, and we had many sweet times with them both. I treasure the time we shared. We loved meeting Anne and Sarah when when our paths crossed.
Wendy and I send our love and condolences. We’re sad we won’t be able to join you tomorrow in Canton, – we’re with you in our hearts. His life offers much to celebrate.
With love, jerielle
Laura Freburg
Our sympathy to entire family, and you especially Marilyn. We have such good memories of family, stories told and examples set , that I just rejoice in his life lived.
David and Laura Lock Freburg
Robert and Janet Hopkins
A wonderful next door neighbor, he will be missed by all who ever knew him. Smart as a whip, witty, generous, genuine.
Randall Van Middlesworth
We were very sorry to hear of your loss. Judge Taylor was a wonderful man. We always considered him a good friend of the family. My mom and dad (Sam and Jean) always spoke very highly of him. The Van Middlesworth family