R.E. “Gene” Taylor, 95, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Monday (September 29, 2014) at his home.

The son of G.V. “Vern” and Bessie May (James) Taylor, he was born October 7, 1918 in Adair County, Missouri. On September 15, 1940 in St. Charles, Missouri, Gene was united in marriage to Genevieve Hatfield who preceded him in death on February 15, 2003.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; two grandsons and two great-grandchildren.

Gene is survived by three sons, James Wesley Taylor and wife Judy of Baring, MO, Jerry Lee Taylor and wife Janet of Greentop, MO and John David Taylor and wife Glenna of Kirksville, MO; two daughters, Jean Taylor of Kirksville, MO and Janet Dulaney and husband Steve of Gold Canyon, AZ; thirteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren, and eleven great-great-grandchildren.

Gene received his education in the Kirksville public schools. He resided on a farm in rural Willmathsville, for fifty years, where he trucked and farmed. From 1968 to 1970, Gene owned and operated the John Deere Business in Greentop, Missouri. In 1996, he and Genevieve moved to Kirksville to make their home.

Gene enjoyed drinking coffee and visiting with his close and special friends at McDonalds most every morning while his health permitted.

He attended the First United Methodist Church of Kirksville.

Public visitation will be held Wednesday (October 1, 2014) with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday (October 2, 2014) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor Richard Northcutt officiating. Interment will follow the service at Maple Hills Cemetery in Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be Jason Taylor, Joe Patterson, Scott Dulaney, Mark Wright, Neil Harrell, Robert Anderson, Matt Gerhold and Ronnie McCauley. Life long friend, Rollie Smith will be an honorary pallbearer.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Gene Taylor may be made to Smile Train. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.