Doug Obituary (1964

Douglas Jay Taylor, 59, of Cullom, IL, entered his heavenly home in the early morning of Friday, November 24, 2023 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. Born in Fairbury, IL, on March 31, 1964, Doug was the firstborn son of J Orin and Diana (Fulkerson) Taylor. He grew up in Cullom, IL, with his brother, Keith. Doug graduated from Tri-Point High School in 1982. After high school, he served in the United States Air Force until 1986. Doug then joined the Army National Guard, in which he served until 1993. He attended Illinois State University, where he met his wife and earned his Bachelor's in Agricultural Business. Doug loved telling his kids stories about his time at ISU with his brother, also an alum, laughing about the fun they had while they were still young. He was frequently reminding them that he "used to be cool". They never fully believed him. Doug loved to share that the moment Chris and he met, he knew she was the woman he would marry. He was right - Doug and Chris were married in Cullom, IL, on April 27, 1991. The newlyweds lived in Millstadt, IL, where they welcomed their firstborn son, Matthew, in April of the following year. They moved to Troy, IL, and in 1994, their twins, Rebecca and Benjamin, were born. Doug's career in the Boy Scouts of America took the family to Waukesha, WI, in 2001. Doug was active in the Scouts and continued his involvement after his career transitioned into shipping logistics. While Doug's favorite part of Boy Scouts was the time he got to spend with his sons, he also enjoyed guiding, supporting, teasing, and teaching all the boys within Troop 122. He frequently recounted the memories of their annual week-long campout where he and his "brother from another mother," Larry Missling, would find their fun in sharing valuable life lessons hidden in campfire stories and practical jokes. Doug mentored many scouts throughout the years, never missing a meeting or a campout while he was involved. One of his proudest accomplishments in the Scouts was helping both of his sons earn their Eagle Scout, something he happily bragged about to anybody who would listen. Doug moved back to Cullom with his wife in 2019 to care for his father. He loved the time he was able to spend with his dad, who passed away in April earlier this year. In the past few years, Doug and his dad watched so many westerns together that they could both tell you what would happen on Gunsmoke within a minute of the episode starting. Doug loved being back in Cullom, enjoying the return to small town living and the sense of community he found in his hometown. Along with his father and brother, Doug was also a proud member of the Cullom American Legion-Post #122, where he served a year as commander. Doug was a devout Christian, his parents instilling a strong sense of faith in him from an early age. He was a proud follower of Christ and found great comfort in his time spent with the Lord. A lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, it was a great joy of his to serve as the part-time pastor of Cullom United Methodist Church where generations of Taylors have served the congregation in varying capacities. He also served as pastor at the Kempton United Methodist Church. Doug's greatest pride and joy in life was his family. His wife and children meant everything to him and they never went a moment not knowing his love and adoration. His eyes would light up whenever he was able to talk about his kids and the lives they created for themselves as adults. Doug was excited beyond measure earlier this year when he graduated to Grandpa once granddaughter Virginia, born to Ben, joined the family. Doug instilled strong values in his children, leaving behind a legacy of love, loyalty, kindness, laughter, the blessing of family, and the art of telling stories. Doug always found a way to crack a joke or have some fun, never taking anything too seriously. His hugs and laughter will be sorely missed by all. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, J Orin and Diana. He is survived by wife, Christel (Kurr) Taylor of Cullom, IL; children, Matthew (Emma Philipps) Taylor of Glendale, WI; Rebecca (Richard) Taylor Larson of De Pere, WI; and Benjamin (Raevyn Kindred) Taylor of Shorewood, WI; granddaughter, Virginia Fern Taylor; and brother, Keith (Angela) Taylor of Cullom, Il. Douglas's visitation will begin at 9:00 am on Saturday, December 2 at Cullom United Methodist Church. His visitation will be followed by his funeral, beginning at 11:00 am, with Deb English officiating. His burial will follow at West Lawn Cemetery with full military rites being accorded. Memorials may be made in Doug's name to Cullom United Methodist Church, Cullom American Legion, or to the family. Special thanks to Calvert & Martin Funeral Home for handling the arrangements and to the medical staff at OSF, who laughed at Doug's jokes - even though they didn't have to. This obituary may be viewed and guestbook signed at www.calvertmemorial.com.