Thomas "Tom" Russell Taylor

July 18, 1949 - March 8, 2019

Thomas “Tom” R. Taylor, 69, of Winchester passed peacefully from this life, March 8th, 2019,at his home surrounded by his family. Tom’s life began, July 18, 1949, in Peoria, the son of James Burnell and Shirley Ann Lynn Taylor. Surviving is his wife Kim Taylor of Winchester and two children, Jennifer Davidson (fiancé, Glenn) and Noah Coker (friend, Ashley) all of Winchester. Tom was a proud grandfather of four grandchildren Alexis Davidson, Sophia Carmean, and Andrew and Eli Coker. Also surviving are two sisters, Sue (Merle) Fleming of Havana and Faith Taylor Sandman of San Jose, CA and a sister-in-law, Judy Lynn of Gilson. Tom was raised in Lynchburg Township and became an avid duck hunter in his early years while helping at the A.E. Staley Jr. farm near Sanganois State Fish and Wildlife Conservation Area. Tom served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971. He served in the Delta Developers Unit as a Combat Engineer while in Vietnam from January 9,1970 until February 28, 1971. While deployed Tom received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, army commendation medal, and was recognized as a sharpshooter on M 14’s and M-16s. As a humble man Tom rarely mentioned his time spent in the armed forces but being able to participate in the honor flight to Washington DC was one of the highlights of his life. Tom met Kim in 1991 and they married September 20, 1993. His family grew when he became a father-by-choice to Jennifer and Noah. Family was Tom’s main priority. His kindness and patience made him an amazing father and grandfather. His children and grandchildren were the joys of his life. He enjoyed his many nieces and nephews and never passed up an opportunity to go to a family cookout, sit around the campfire with friends and family reminiscing and laughing or taking road trips with his dear friend Mike. Tom was always willing to go out and eat, play a round of golf, and looked forward to the annual trip to the Ozarks with “the gang” Tom was best known for his infectious smile and laugh, ornery shenanigans, sense of humor.Most of all, he was a daily example of humility, kindness, and grace even during the most difficult journey of his life. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2019, at the Daws Family Funeral Home in Jacksonville. A visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. The family invites everyone to celebrate Tom’s life and share stories immediately follow the funeral service in the Daws’ banquet room where lunch will be provided. Memorials are suggested to the family.