John O. Taylor, 83, of Sparta, died Monday, June 12, 2006 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. He was born on January 26, 1923 in Elbing, KS to Charles and Aggie (Gregory) Taylor. They moved from Kansas to Iowa and then to Rock Island, IL. He graduated from Rock Island High and also Business College.

     He enlisted in the Army serving in Hawaii. After the war, he returned to Rock Island and graduated from Augustana College. He was employed by Gould Inc where he retired after 35 years of service. He served as director of accounting and retired as controller.

     He married Estelle Austin in 1949. To this union four sons and a daughter were born.

     John served on the school board, was active on the board of Mapleaires Drum and Bugle Corp, Maplewood Community Club, and PTA. He was a member of the American Legion, was very active in the Christian Church for 50 years, and served as Christian Educator for 12 years.

     John and Estelle moved to Sparta in 1989. He was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ and finally Faith Ev. Free Church both of Sparta.

     He is survived by his wife Estelle of Sparta; three sons, Greg (Zoe Ann) Taylor of Oswego, IL, Bradley (Joan) Taylor of North St. Paul, MN, and Mark (Michelle) Taylor of St. Francis, MN; seven grandchildren, Christina (John) Copenhaver, Shawn, Catherine (Michael) Welch, Jenny Taylor, Jean (Scott) Jasman, Cheryl and Caryn Taylor; four great grandchildren, Selah and Arianne Jasman, Matthew and Andrew Copenhaver; three sister-in-laws, Luella Taylor of Florida, Nancy (Floyd) Betts of Leon, WI, and Vivian Austin of Rockland, WI; one brother-in-law, Carlton (Beverly) Austin of Leon; and nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carol Lynn; his parents; a sister, Vivian; and four brothers, Thad, Palmer, Talbert, and Benton Taylor.

     Funeral services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, with Reverend Randy Larson, Reverend Scott Harris, and Reverend Richard Abernathy officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2112 and American Legion Post 100 will be in Leon Cemetery, Leon, WI.

     Family and friends are invited to call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, on Tuesday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and at the funeral home Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of services.