Howard Eugene "Gene" Taylor, 85, of Mexico, passed away at 2:05 a.m. Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at The Neighborhoods by Tiger Place in Columbia.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, October 23, 2023, at Pickering Funeral Home with Pastor Dean Greenwood and Pastor Kevin Brewer officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the funeral home.

Gene was born September 11, 1938, in Hallsville, Missouri. He was the son of Samuel and Una Blanche (Ravenscraft) Taylor. On November 10, 1962, in Mexico, he married Mary Elizabeth Zeigler, who preceded him in death on August 12, 1986. On January 11, 1992, in Fulton, he married Ruth Ellen Smith, who survives.

Gene was a farmer who was always eager to try new farming methods.  He owned the first center pivot irrigation system in Audrain County.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and reading Westerns. Most of all he made God his priority.  He always made sure he took time to pray with his family and take them to church.  He was a member of the Church of God (Holiness) where he had served on the board for many years.

In addition to his wife Ruth, survivors include two sons, H. Duane Taylor (Colleen), of Mexico, and Dwight E. Taylor (Loretta), of Mexico; two daughters, Karla R. Walters (Richard), of Punta Gorda, Belize, and Sheila K. Crum (Joseph), of Columbia; four brothers, Gerald Taylor (Patricia), of Mexico, Samuel Taylor, of Benton City, David Taylor (Judy), of Mexico, and John Taylor (Aletha), of Mexico; 15 grandchildren, Nicole, Leandra, Jonathan, and Roselita Walters, Desiree (James) Kreider, Justin (Tiffany) Crum, Jacob Crum, Daniel (Bethany) Taylor, Heidi (Kevin) Brewer, Martha Taylor, Suzannah (Nathaniel) Murray, Madeline Taylor, Dustin Taylor, Audreonna (Dwight) Murray, and Darrin Taylor; nine great grandchildren, Lily and Daisy Crum, Amelia, Adeline, Anastasia, Alizah, and Aubriella Taylor, Cassidy and Isaac Murray, and two great grandchildren on the way; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He was also loved and appreciated by his in-laws in both the Zeigler and Smith families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Mary, one son, Darren Lee Taylor, and two grandchildren, Devin E. Taylor, and Samuel Walters.

The family suggests memorials be given to the Church of God (Holiness) in Mexico. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.