Harlan Taylor

H. A. “Andy” Taylor, age 89 of Beardstown, died Sunday, December 11, 2016 at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy
He was born July 4, 1927 in Bushnell, the son of Herman and Ulva Hahn Taylor. He married Phyllis Treadway on November 28, 1948.
He is survived by his wife Phyllis Taylor of Beardstown; three sons Eric (wife Laurie) Taylor of Longmont, CO, Alan (companion Lauren) Taylor of Mt. Juliet, TN, and Neal (wife Tracy) Taylor of Virginia; four grandchildren Sarah of Chandler, AZ, Nathaniel of Chadron, NE, Drew of Fortuna, CA, and Andrew of Virginia, IL; two sisters Audrey (husband Don) Lavender of Galesburg and Norma Murphy of Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Andy graduated from Galesburg High School and then enlisted in the United States Navy. He served during World War II on the Ammunition Ship USS Diamondhead. He spent 35 years in the Postal Service starting as a letter carrier and retired as Postmaster. He was a faithful member of the First Congregational Church in Beardstown where he served in many capacities. He was a member of Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post #1239 of Beardstown, American Legion Post #604, was Past Master of Beardstown Masonic Lodge #23, and was PER of Beardstown Elks Lodge #1007.
Andy was very active in community affairs. He served on the Beardstown School Board for nine years and was proud of the fact that he was instrumental in starting girls’ sports. Andy enjoyed his sons sporting events, especially football and attended many games even after their graduation. He also served on the Cass County Board of Supervisors, coached Little League and Co-ed League, and was a leader for 4-H Club and Cub Scouts. Andy wrote “Outdoors with Andy” for the Jacksonville Journal Courier for several years. He loved hunting, especially for turkey and deer, but also sometimes just liked to watch them in their natural habitat. Fishing in farm ponds was his passion, and was made even greater when he got to take his grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy for the wonderful, compassionate care. They went above and beyond all expectations.
Memorial services will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at the First Congregational Church in Beardstown. The family will meet with friends 45 minutes prior to the services. There will be no burial.
Memorials have been suggested to the First Congregational Church. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.