John Gerald “Jerry” Taylor

John Gerald “Jerry” Taylor, Buffalo, MO, entered into eternal life on March 27, 2017. Jerry was born on February 29, 1924 to John and Ada Forrester Taylor, one of seven siblings and the last survivor. Jerry married Mary Virginia Likes in 1948 in Macomb, “robbing the cradle as many said.” They have three daughters who they loved dearly: Pam and Gary Naylor, Buffalo, MO; Lana and Dr. Bruce Packard, Magnolia, TX; and Melody and Mark Herman, Holland, MI. They also have three grandchildren that Jerry adored:  Brett and Brittney Naylor, Centralia, MO; Sarah Packard, Magnolia, TX; and Marie Packard, Des Moines, IA. He has several nieces and nephews that survive. Jerry also leaves behind countless friends who loved him and were part of his family, including Kate Carmean, Virginia Watson, Garry Hager and Gary Crosby.

Jerry and Mary lived in the Bushnell-Prairie City, Illinois area until 1986. Jerry was a crop farmer and raised Purebred Shorthorn Cattle. Cattle was his love and he won many championships across the country showing his prized Shorthorn cattle. He also was a well-known and well-respected cattle judge, traveling the United States judging all breeds of cattle from the Cow Palace in San Francisco to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, to many State Fairs and County Fairs.

In 1986, Jerry and Mary relocated to Buffalo, MO to be closer to daughter Pam and her family, especially to watch Brett grow up. Jerry continued his cattle judging and was often found helping local cattlemen (Dr. Bob Coscia  Limousins, Springfield, MO and Gregg Alsup, Fair Grove, MO, both great family  friends).

His walls in his home office are adorned with plagues and awards he has received throughout the years. To name a few, they include:  University of Missouri Long-Term Commitment and Support of the MU Extension Program (2013), 2013 Pioneer Award of the Ozark Empire Fair Foundation, Charter Officer and  Director of the Land of Lincoln Purebred Livestock Breeders Association, 2002 Long-Standing Service and Dedication to Missouri State Fair, National Livestock and Meat Board Director (1970-1973), , Land of Lincoln Livestock Award 1987, Schuyler County Fair Honorary Director (1977), Illinois State Fair Board of Directors (1970 – 1986), and McDonough District Hospital (Macomb, IL) Board of Directors (1970 – 1982).

Jerry was an inspiration and a humble, selfless man. As great friend Monte Lowderman of Lowderman Auctioneering, Macomb, IL reminisced, “Jerry was a family man, who spent his whole life (68 years) with his true love and together they raised 3 beautiful daughters. He was a friend to many; he was a livestock expert and enthusiast; and he was always a true and constant professional in his words and actions. Jerry knew how to have a good time and make sure everyone around him was also having a good time. A special man that has left this world a better place and who left a positive impression and influence on all he met.”

Anyone who met Jerry became a friend. He never met a stranger. He especially loved helping kids with livestock projects. Jerry always had a smile on his face and the most positive attitude. He never had a bad day.

Jerry’s life will be celebrated at Cantlon Otterness Funeral Home on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. for visitation and 10:00 a.m. for the funeral with close friend Reverend James Weiss from Godfrey, IL officiating. There will be graveside services on April 1, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in Bushnell, IL Cemetery. Jerry loved flowers because they were bright and cheery. But in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Shorthorn Association Foundation, c/o Bill Rasor, 1800 Lovers Leap, VanAlstyne, TX  75495.