George Howard Taylor Obituary

Reverend G Howard Taylor passed away Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Palm Bay Florida Hospital at the age of 94. Howard was born to Ronald Elbert and Edna (Whitnel) Taylor in Johnson County, Illinois. He pastored a number of churches in Illinois and Indiana, beginning in March, 1949, until his retirement in December, 1991. His pastorates included First Baptist Church Karnak, IL (1956-1962), First Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon, IN (1962-1976), and Bethany Baptist Church, Evansville, IN (1976-1991). After his retirement, he moved to Marion, IL and pastored some small churches in the area for several years, including Fairview and Creal Springs Baptist Churches. Howard was active in the Southern Baptist State and association groups. His passion was visiting those in various nursing homes and hospitals. Even children were drawn to him, partly because he always had chewing gum to hand out.
Howard was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Dean (McNeely) Taylor, his second wife, Shirley (Chamness) Taylor, his sister, Elberta (Taylor) Choate, and two brothers, Guy Taylor and Gilbert Taylor.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Doris (Wielhouwer) Taylor, a sister, Catherine (Taylor) Brumley, four children - James Donald Taylor (Shelly) of Aurora, CO, Helen (Susie) (Taylor) Wood (Cary) of Muncie, IN, David Taylor (Gaila) of Owensboro, KY, and Terry Taylor (Mary Ellen) of Portsmouth, VA, 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Special thanks go to Dan, Deanna, and David Wielhouwer, who have been excellent caregivers for Howard and Doris for several years.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the mission program of your local church.
Online condolences may also be sent to .
A graveside service will be held October 4, 2023 at Maplewood Cemetery, Section D, plot 72 in Marion, IL, with Rev. Terry Taylor officiating.