Mattoon, Illinois
Feb 26, 1937 – Aug 27, 2019
Herman was born on February 26, 1937 and passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2019. He subsequently earned a bachelor's degree in organ performance from Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University having studied with Robert Reuter and both the master's and doctorate degrees in organ performance from the University of Michigan under the tutelage of the renowned Dr. Marilyn Mason. For example: The Society of American Musicians Award in organ playing; Rockefeller Foundation Grant in organ which awarded him study with the late Marcel Dupre in Paris, France; Graduate Student Assistant in organ at The University of Michigan; Palmer Christian Award in organ; consultant in Giessen, Baumholder, Darmstadt and Frankfurt, West Germany, under the auspices of the United States Army Chaplaincy; and a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to participate in the summer sem. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 31, 2019 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 200 Charleston Avenue, Mattoon, Illinois 61938; Reverend Adam Jacobsen will officiate. A visitation will be from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM, Friday, August 30, 2019 at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, Illinois 61938. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations may be made to the Herman D. Taylor Music Scholarship Fund of St. John's Lutheran Church, to the Alzheimer's Foundation, or to a charity of choice.
Herman was my first piano teacher. Much of the foundation I received was caught on the Baldwin upright in the living room of his parents' home when he would rush in (sometimes having forgotten about the lesson) and teach my lesson. I'm grateful for the appreciation for excellence that was imparted to me.
Ethelyn Taylor
August 30, 2019 | South Holland, IL | Student
Vivian and family, I am so sorry for your loss and hope you are comforted by Hermans faith and hope for heaven. I feel fortunate to have recently known him.
David Nelson
August 29, 2019 | Springfield, IL | Acquaintance
Mr Taylor performed at Gillfield Baptist Church in the late 80's. He was an excellent organist and a kind and humble spirit...this is my memory of his legacy. My condolences.
Doris A. Overton, Ed.D.
August 29, 2019 | Norfolk, VA | Acquaintance
