Larry Lee Taylor

Larry Lee Taylor, 81, of Harrisburg, passed away at 4:55 p.m. Sunday, April 16, 2023, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

Larry was born July 1, 1941, in the Somerset Community to Robert and Helen (Stricklin) Taylor. He married Irma Shewmaker on August 21, 1964, and she survives. He served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Germany. Larry was a welder by trade and took great pride in his work. He spent most of his career at Sahara Coal Company and Babcock and Wilcox. He was a member of Ingram Hill Baptist Church, the Harrisburg American Legion, and the Ridgway Masonic Lodge.

Larry loved people and loved telling a good story, whether it was true or not. You could always tell the difference by the twinkle in his eyes and the smirk on his face. He loved gardening and grilling, but his greatest love was his grandchildren. They were his pride and joy. Larry was an all-around great man who had a heart of gold. He was dearly loved, and he loved dearly.

In addition to his loving wife Irma, Larry is survived by his daughters, Gina Burnett of Norris City, Melissa Freed of Harrisburg, and Dana Cornell of O'Fallon; seven grandchildren, Ashley (Brian) Doty of Murphysboro, Madison (Jonathan Quertermous) Pruett of Mount Vernon IN, Gabby (Zac) Howard of Harrisburg, Mollie Freed of Harrisburg, Graydon Cornell, Mason Cornell, and Quinn Cornell of O'Fallon; one great grandson, August Howard of Harrisburg; sister Judy ("Dude") Brown of Harrisburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen Taylor; brother Bob Taylor; and sisters, Mary Hull, Sue Clark and Janice Palmer. Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Stricklin Funeral Home in Harrisburg. Reverend Richard Driscoll will officiate. Military rights will be conducted by the United States Army, the American Legion, the Sons of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Visitation will be held from 4 PM to 7 PM, Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Cremation to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the 4C's and condolences may be left for his family on his obituary page at www.stricklinfuneralhome.com.

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