William A. ” Fig ” Taylor, age 78, of Kirkwood, Illinois; passed away suddenly at his home at 10:33 am on Sunday June 4, 2023. “Fig” as he was known, was born on June 9, 1944 in Monmouth, Illinois and is the son of LeRoy and Harriet C. (Hopkins) Taylor. Fig first attended Coonville rural school and later Kirkwood High School. He graduated from Yorkwood High School with the class of 1963. After his schooling, William served in the United States Air Force and served “Stateside” except for being stationed in Newfoundland for a time, from 1963 to 1967. Upon his discharge from the military, he began work as a laborer with the State of Illinois Highway Department. He then worked as a carpenter for John R. Kelley for a time. After that, Fig began work as an Equipment Operator for Monmouth Stone Quarry and retired from Kistler and Co. in 2007. On August 7, 1971, Fig married Patricia A. McKelvey at First Christian Church in Monmouth. Fig was a member of the Operating Engineers Union 649 for over fifty years. He has been a long-time member and past commander for the Marion B. Fletcher Post 136 of the American Legion and was a member of their honor guard. Fig also was an Assistant Chief of the Kirkwood Fire Department. He owned two Model As which he enjoyed very much. He loved gardening, plowing snow, and helping his neighbors and friends. Fig is also known for his BBQ pork. Most of all he loved his wife, children, and his grandkids. William is survived by his wife, Pat of Kirkwood, and three daughters, Ann Taylor and Erik of Monmouth, Sara Taylor of Galesburg, and Rebecca (Beckie) Anderson and Dave of Kirkwood. Fig has six grandchildren surviving, Alyssa Vicker, Emma Greenlief, Taylor Anderson, Wesley Anderson, Ryder Laws, and Elijah William Anderson. Two of his brothers survive, Lawrence Taylor of Monmouth, and John David Taylor in the state of New Hampshire. There are also a number of nieces and nephews surviving. He is preceded in his death by his parents, brothers, Henry, Harold, and Hacer, and sisters, Frances and Blanche.
Cremation is being accorded. A gathering of his family and friends with a military presentation of his flag is planned on Saturday June 10th, at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, Illinois. His family will receive their family and friends from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Memorials may be given to the Goldie McKelvey Memorial Nursing Scholarship.To leave a remembrance please continue on this page or visit turnbullfuneralhomes.com.
