John William Taylor Jr., 90 of Holly Hill, Florida passed away on Friday July 10,2020.

John was born on September 2, 1929 to John and Kathryn (Meier) Taylor in Omaha, Nebraska.

John attended grade school in Omaha through seventh grade and then moved to Grand Island, Nebraska where he graduated high school. John obtained a solo pilot's license and was an Eagle Scout with bronze palm. John married Patricia Marie Sheldon on December 31, 1952. They were married for 56 years; sadly, Patricia passed away in 2008.

John entered University of Nebraska, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in zoology, and minoring in chemistry, mathematics, sociology, military science, and German as a second language. He was the President of the Acadia Fraternity, and President of the Scabbard and Blade. John went on to the University of Connecticut and earned his Masters in Business Administration where he majored in field statistics.

John had an illustrious career in the Military: He was a student of the Fort Benning, Georgia infantry school; student at Fort David I &E school in New York; basic training instructor in Fort Riley, Kansas and served in Korea as a platoon leader, company commander 45 ^th Division, 180th Regiment, 1 ^st Battalion, Company C. John earned many awards during his service: combat infantry men's badge, commendation medal, Korean battle ribbon with two battle stars, and a Purple Heart.

John also had an impressive civil career which took him all over the country: Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, and New York.  He was a person that could handle any job. He worked on the construction wire gangs for ATT, and also held positions for various companies: district engineer, sales manager, public relations supervisor, and financial officer to name a few. John was also active in the community. He was a Vestry of Episcopal Church, on the Board of Deacons Congressional Church, and member of the Presbyterian Church, USA. His was a current member of Coquina Presbyterian Church PCA in Ormand, Florida, and a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Cook, MN. John also had many Masonic affiliations. He was a Perpetual member of Ormond Beach Lodge and Ashlar Lodge of Grand Island Nebraska, Scottish Rite-32 ^nd Valley of Bridgeport, Connecticut, Past Master of the Lodge of Perfection, Arthur M Brown Service Medal, and a permanent member of the Council of Deliberation for Connecticut.

John passed at his favorite place to be, Taylor's Island in Minnesota. He always said this was "The Garden of Eden" in the summer.

John is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 56 years Patricia; and his sister Elizabeth Kurth.

John is survived by his children: Don (Jenny Alden) Taylor; Lynn Taylor; and Dave (Lisa) Taylor; grandchildren: Ashley Lee, Cassie Gromala, Tony Marino, Caitlyn Bates, Cory Schubert, and Austin Bates; great-grandchildren: Harrison Lee, Owen Lee, Grayson Marino, Olivia Tamulevich and Paxton Parker.

A Celebration of Life hosted by John's family will be held on Friday, July 17, 2020 at 1:00pm at the Evangelical Covenant Church, Cook, MN. To leave an online condolence visit www.mlakerfuneralhome.com