Eldon "Gene" Taylor

Eldon "Gene" Taylor, 83, of Parkersburg, IL, passed away June 6, 2025 at Helia Healthcare in Olney, IL.

Eldon "Gene" Taylor was born July 19, 1941 in Richland County, IL to parents, Ray Dean Taylor and Bernadine (Thatcher) Taylor. He married Alice Faye (Gibson) Taylor, she preceded him in death on January 15, 2022.

Gene was well known in the “carhead” community to have a true passion for cars, and loved spending his time working on everything from Model A's to the 1950's classics. His fellow car lovers and family will miss his humor, his contagious smile, and quick wit.

Another lifelong joy for Gene was the allure of country living, especially alongside his loving wife of 42 years, Faye. He enjoyed his final years at the home he built himself in Parkersburg with Dexter, his chocolate lab. In his final months Gene appreciated his caregivers at Helia who treated him like family.

Gene was known to close family and friends as a quiet soul, but one who was quick to shoot to the point if he had something to say. If he liked you, you might be lucky enough to get a parting farewell of “Don’t take any wooden nickels.” His goodbyes were heartfelt and his “Love you, and gooood bye” left an impression on those close to him.

Gene is survived by daughters, Tracy (John Hovey) Browning of Olney and Donna Maslowski of Calhoun; son, Keith (Patricia) Taylor of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren, Erika Medina, Megan Browning, Jacob Browning, Michelle Maslowski, Robbie Maslowski, Mackenzie Chapman and Emily Maslowski; sister, Phyllis Lemons of Flora, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Alice Taylor; and son, Steven Taylor.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney has been entrusted with arrangements.

A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Crest Haven Memorial Park.

Interment will take place at Crest Haven Memorial Park.

Gene’s family requests that memorial donations be made to the funeral home to help with burial expenses.