Chester O. Taylor Obituary (1930

Chester O. Taylor, age 95, of London, Kentucky passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. He leaves behind two children, Debbie Taylor Garland of London, KY and Jack Taylor of Arlington, VA; one sibling, Lillie Brate of Westchester, OH; five grandchildren, Michael Garland & wife Ashley, Jason Taylor, Shonna Larkey, T. J. Taylor, Joshua Garland & wife Beverly; nine great grandchildren; two great, great grandchildren; special niece, Carla Ward; plus, a host of other family and friends to cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Freda Meadows Taylor; his parents, Roscoe C. Taylor & Cimmie Minton Taylor; three children, Robert (Bob) Taylor, Dennis Darrel Taylor, Pamela Gail Taylor; nine siblings, Elgia Marie Taylor, Fern Cain, Claude Taylor, Estill Taylor, Roscoe Taylor Jr., Cleo Russell, Nell Baxter, Baby Taylor, Julia Ward; one grandchild, Nathan Kelly Taylor; his step granddaughter, Robin McWhorter; his son-in-law, Gary Garland; his daughter-in-law, Scottie Gerri Taylor. Chester was a hardworking and devoted family man who leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love. In the late 1940s, when Chester was just a teenager, he showed the grit and determination that would define his life. After the war, he would ride the train all the way to Maine to dig potatoes, working long, hard days so he could bring money back home to help support his family. Even at a young age, Chester carried a strong sense of responsibility and love for those he held dear — a trait that never left him. Chester dedicated 33 years of faithful service to General Motors in Norwood, Ohio, where he built not only a career but lasting friendships. In addition to his work in the automotive industry, he also assisted families during their most difficult times by assisting in funeral transport for Singleton Embalming Service, serving with quiet dignity and compassion. A proud member of the Laurel County Kiwanis Club, Chester believed in giving back to his community. He was also honored as a Kentucky Colonel, a recognition that reflected his character and commitment to service. Above all, Chester was a faithful member of Lily Missionary Baptist Church, where his love for the Lord was evident in both word and deed. Chester loved working in his garden — and it was a big one. He took great pride in tending to it and found even greater joy in giving most of his harvest away to friends, neighbors, and anyone in need. Even in his later years, Chester remained young at heart and could often be found playing ball with his grandchildren. He was the perfect image of a grandfather—always present, always loving—and he never missed a chance to make them smile, whether it was through play or by singing little songs to them and creating memories that will echo for generations. Chester also had a special place in his heart for the birds. He faithfully bought bags and bags of feed and put out nearly a bucket a day to make sure they were cared for. Feeding them wasn’t optional — it was a responsibility. If he wasn’t able to do it himself, someone else had to step in. In the winter, snow had to be cleared so he could get to his feeders, because those birds were counting on him. Tending to them brought him great joy and was just another reflection of his gentle, giving spirit. He was always there when someone needed him — dependable, agreeable, and ready to lend a hand. And while he could be stubborn when he wanted to be, those who knew him best would smile and tell you he was simply the best. His strength, humor, and unwavering love made him one of a kind. Chester will be deeply missed by his family, friends, church family, and community. His life was well lived, his faith was strong, and his love was generously given. A funeral service honoring Chester O. Taylor will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of House-Rawlings Funeral Home with Larry Sowders & Alan Evans officiating. Interment will follow at A. R. Dyche Memorial Park in London, Kentucky. The family will receive friends on Sunday beginning at 12:00 p.m. until the service hour, also at the funeral home. The pallbearers will be his grandsons, Michael Garland, T. J. Taylor, Joshua Garland and his great grandsons, Ryan Taylor, Ashton Garland and Gage Larkey. The honorary pallbearers are Jason Taylor, Hayden Taylor, Blake Still, Zoey Larkey, Kruz Larkey, Scott Ward and Michael Brate. The family has entrusted House-Rawlings Funeral Home with the arrangements.