Mr. Robert Alfred Taylor

Mr. Robert Alfred Taylor, 73, of Peoria, IL passed away at 11:48 am on Friday, February 17, 2023 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. Robert, affectionally known as “Freckles”, was born on June 13, 1949 in Jackson, MS to Omie and Bessie (Landon) Taylor. He was a 1967 graduate of Manual High School where he was a member of the track & field and the football team. He was a 1980 graduate of Illinois State University in Bloomington, IL with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Robert was a proud US Air Force Veteran honorably serving as a Sargent during the Vietnam Conflict. He married Barbara Blow on July 5, 1974 in Omaha, Nebraska. To their union two children were born, Morgan and Kenzie. Barbara passed on January 18, 2015 after 41 years of marriage. Robert retired in 2010 from Caterpillar, Inc., after over 40 years of service as a Laborer. During his time at Caterpillar from 1994 – 2000 he owned and operated “Freckles”, a pizza parlor serving pasta and sandwiches located in the Valley Park Center. He also catered for all types of events for churches, birthdays, and family gatherings. Robert was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. He was a family man who loved to attend family reunions. He was also helpful, giving and supportive to anyone who needed assistance. Robert played the bass, electric and acoustic guitar, listened to gospel and jazz music. He traveled around the world including Costa Rica, Europe, Canary Islands and Hawaii. He liked taking scenic drives across the US and visiting national monuments, parks and historic sites. Robert played chess and cards with his friends, watched football and basketball and enjoyed dining out. He especially loved spending time with his grandson Aidan. Robert was a faithful member of Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C. where he served as chairman of the trustee board, choir president and master chef of the kitchen. Robert leaves to cherish his most precious memories, his two daughters, Morgan Taylor of McKinney, TX and Kenzie Tyler of Oswego, IL; two sisters, Omie Lee Taylor of Peoria, IL and Romona Williams of Jackson, MS; one adorable grandson, Aidan Tyler; special friends, Ellen Bradley, Bill “Butch” Willingham, Elder Walter Young and Linda John all of Peoria, IL and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends who loved him. He is also preceded in death by his parents; three infant brothers, one infant sister and two brothers, James Taylor and Greg Taylor. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Friday, February 24, 2023 at Love and Kindness Ministries, C.O.G.I.C., 603 W. Nebraska Ave., Peoria, IL 61604, with a visitation prior beginning at 10 am. Elder F. Michael Watson, is the Host Pastor, Superintendent Elder Felton Beck, Jr. will officiate and Elder Eddie Davis, Pastor of Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C., will bring forth the eulogy. Robert will be laid to rest at Parkview Cemetery with Military Honors. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com. The service will be live streamed on Simons Mortuary's Website or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Simons-Mortuary-232095303487150 promptly AT THE TIME OF THE SERVICE (Central Time). Due to Covid-19, social distancing is encouraged to be consistent with recommendations from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral home directors have been instructed and should follow CDC guidelines on gatherings, including those directly related to funerals, visitations, or graveside services. *In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we ask that everyone in attendance: wear a face mask and refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands (as hard as it is to see someone you care about and not touch them). *It is our responsibility as Funeral Directors, to do everything we can to advise families in order to honor our beloved Families and to keep everyone as safe as possible. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Tributes

Mr. Robert Alfred Taylor

June 13, 1949 - February 17, 2023