Zachary Louis Taylor, 85, of Clearwater Florida, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on May 9th, 2017. Zachary (Zach) was born April 17, 1932 in Westville, Illinois to Zachariah and Margarite Taylor (Alaway). He married the love of his life, Edythe (Edy) Ann Blair of Danville, Illinois on January 26, 1957 in Danville. He and Edy raised five children, they opened their home to many college students, and welcomed foster children throughout their married life. Zach Graduated from Westville High School. He then served as a CPL in the Army National Guard during the Korean War. Throughout his career, he worked at General Motors -Inventory Control in Danville Illinois, Senior Buyer at Hyster Corporation in Danville, and Berea Kentucky, and in 1994 he retired as the Corporate Purchasing Coordinator with Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company. Zach was active in the Knights of Columbus, Ambucs, American Legion Post # 119 and the Rotary Club. He was a Kentucky Colonel and a Member of ST. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. His passions in life consisted of sharing his life with Edy, his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed golfing, cooking, teaching others how to cook, gardening, and was known as the man who could teach you how to do anything! Zachary is survived by his children, Maureen(Frank) Cattani of Ladd Illinois, Kelly (Charles) Bland of Bethany Illinois, Greg Taylor of Clearwater, Karl (Charina) Thorndyke of Chicago and Tracy (Tom) Steier of Parrish, Florida. Grandchildren, Melissa Timmons, Brandy Will, Luke Bland, Mandy Bland, Troy Hensley Jr., Colby Taylor, Thomas and Taylor Steier, Clare Thorndyke and Great Grandchildren Lauren Timmons Bruner, Ali, Mary Grace, Julianne, and Jude Timmons, Andrew, Sophia and Trace Hensley, Vincent and Kiley Will, Sonny Surridge, and Savannah Bland. He is Survived by Brother Ben Taylor (Nancy) of Phoenix, Arizona and their two children Ben and Shelly. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, two sisters, two half- sisters, two grandsons, and one great grandson. Zachary was the best husband, father, son and brother his family could ever ask for, we are grateful he was part of our lives and we will miss him dearly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1955 South Belcher Road, Clearwater, Florida on Saturday May 20th at 10:00 am. A celebration of life will be held immediately following Mass at the church. A private burial will be accorded at a later time. The National Cremation Society assisted in arrangements. Memorials may be directed to Empath Hospice, Alzheimer’s -Parkinson’s-Dementia Foundation, Inc., Multiple Myeloma Foundation, or ST. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church.
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