Gerald "Jerry" Taylor, 89, of Thompson, MO, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran's Hospital after an extended illness.

Memorial services will be held at the First Assembly of God Church, 1920 Lakeview, Mexico, MO on Friday, May 16th, 2025. Visitation will be 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am, with Rev. Everett Bradshaw and Rev. Rodney Davis officiating the service.  Intermit to be held at Missouri Veteran's Cemetery at 2:00 pm in Jacksonville, Missouri.

Gerald was born on August 26, 1935 on the Taylor Farm, in Hallsville, MO.   He was the son of Samuel and Una Blanche (Ravenscraft) Taylor.   Gerald married on July 6, 1968 in Overland Park, Kansas, to Patricia Clare Swank and to this union were two sons.

Gerald proudly served his country in the United States Army and served his time in Fort Polk, Louisiana, and Fort Hood, Texas.  He had a deep commitment to his duty as a Medic to his unit and his country.

After leaving his military Service, he purchased 80 acres and started farming, which he continued until his illness no longer allowed him to continue farming.  He also devoted his talent of mechanics to working for Lawrence Roberson Motors and later to Bob George Pontiac, GMC, and Oldsmobile, and a short time with Sydenstricker Implement, all of Mexico, MO, and his own shop, Jerry's Repair.

Next to his love of farming, number one, was fishing.  He enjoyed taking his family to different rivers, lakes and streams to fish.  Even going Deep-Sea Fishing several times, besides taking trips to fish all night. His last fishing trip was to Minnesota, fishing in the Lake of the Woods on July, 2023. He loved taking his family on week-end trips and on vacation to different states to discover new places.

His second love was Southern Gospel Music. He took his family many miles just to attend a Southern Gospel Concert. He always was so blessed and encouraged in his faith.   He spent most evenings watching DVD's of Southern Gospel Music.  He was a man of strong Christian values and principles.  He was known for his high moral character, unwavering work ethic and willingness to help someone, especially with mechanical problems.  He had a quiet strength and resilience.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Pat Taylor of Thompson; two sons, Timothy Dale (Sylvia) Taylor of Columbia, MO, and Darrell A. (Ivonne) Taylor of Thompson, MO; five grandchildren, Zachary (Peyton) Riedenhour, of North Carolina, Alexander, Aaron, Austin Taylor, Columbia, MO, and Emilia Taylor of Thompson, MO; three brothers, Samuel Taylor, Benton City, MO, David (Judy) Taylor and John (Aletha) Taylor; one sister-in-law Ruth Taylor, Mexico MO; one brother-in-law, Roger (Linda) Swank, Bolivar, MO; and eight great-grandchildren.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Una Blanche Taylor, his in-laws, Lawrence and Esther Swank; one grandchild, Brittany Gallagher; one brother, H. Eugene Taylor; one brother-in-law, Harlan Swank; and four sisters-in-law, Mary Taylor, Betty Taylor, Treva Swank Powell, and Jeanette Swank.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the First Assembly of God Church.  Memorials may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 424 S Jefferson, Mexico, MO.  65265.