Otis "Gene" Taylor

Gene was born in Oak Park, IL, on March 29, 1933, the son of William Otis Taylor and Iva Trotter (Parsons) Taylor. The family moved from Maywood, IL, to Western Springs. IL, in 1940, where Gene was raised with his older brother Kent and younger sister Nancy.

Following high school graduation in 1951, Gene attended DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, where he was a member of Delta Chi fraternity. He graduated in 1955 with a BA degree in English Composition.

At DePauw, Gene met JoAnne Dorothy Bauer, marrying in 1956. They settled first in Evanston, and then Mount Prospect, before moving to the long-time home on Francis Drive in Arlington Heights, where they raised four children.

Following college, Gene worked for a year at the Journal-Herald in Dayton, OH, before returning to Chicago where he began his career in advertising at Leo Burnett. At that agency, he had major responsibility for Allstate Insurance, Brown Shoe Company and Pure Oil. Gene moved to Kenyon & Eckhardt briefly in the early 1970’s before joining J. Walter Thompson, where he rose to the position of Vice President, Associate Creative Director. His primary account at JWT was McDonnell Douglas where he was responsible for conceptual work and execution of consumer, trade, business-to-business, and corporate campaigns—TV and print—featuring a tremendous variety of high-technology products and services. In 1986, he won a Gold Plaque Award at the Chicago International Film Festival and was a finalist at the London International Advertising Awards, for copywriting on a television commercial series for McDonnell Douglas. Gene also worked on the Sears and Ford Dealer Association accounts. In 1976, he won a CLIO award for copywriting on a TV commercial for the Ford Dealer Association.

Gene retired in 1996, which allowed him and JoAnne to spend time at their home in Wisconsin and to take a yearly trip to a place of interest.

Gene had very eclectic pastimes, which included model building, model trains, singing, sailing, camping, and taking care of projects around the house. Gene and JoAnne enjoyed opening their home to family and friends for all kinds of celebrations. A 66-year member of Community Presbyterian Church in Mount Prospect, Gene sang in the Chancel Choir, served on many committees, and helped to develop the church’s Peace Garden. He also sang tenor with Chicago Master Singers.

After 48 years in the family home, Gene and JoAnne moved to The Moorings of Arlington Heights. JoAnne passed away on July 4, 2019, after more than 62 years of marriage.

Gene is survived by his four children: Caryl (Alan) Medsker of Arlington Heights, IL; Gail (Scott) Spannraft of Grayslake, IL; Doug Taylor of Chicago, IL; and Alice Taylor of Palatine, IL; four grandchildren: David (Alyssa Anthony) Medsker of Aurora, IL; Michael (Erin) Medsker of Park Ridge, IL; Abigail (Joe) Walsh of Crystal Lake, IL; and Sarah Spannraft of Grayslake, IL; and two great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Arthur Tebbutt of Ames, IA; and many friends, nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnne; his parents; his aunt, Elizabeth “Auntie” Parsons; brother, Kent Taylor (the late Peg); sister Nancy Reynolds (the late Jim); sister-in-law Maryan (Art) Tebbutt, and nephews Andrew Tebbutt and Douglas Fisher.

A Memorial Service celebrating Gene’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Community Presbyterian Church, 407 N. Main St., Mount Prospect, IL 60056. Relatives and friends may visit with Gene’s family during the reception at the church following the service.

Gene will be laid to rest in Wheeling Township Arlington Heights Cemetery in a private family committal.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given in Gene’s name to Chicago Master Singers, Community Presbyterian Church Memorial and Special Gifts Fund, or a charity of your choice.