Bill J. Taylor

Billie Jean ¨Bill¨ Taylor Sr, age 82, of Benton, MO and formerly of East Prairie passed away Sunday, August 24, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born December 30, 1942, to the late Charlie and Ann (Flowers) Taylor at the family home near Dogwood, MO. He was the oldest of five siblings. He had lived most of his life in East Prairie until moving to Benton in 1994.

Bill was a hard worker starting at a young age. He engaged in farming before becoming a mechanic and working for French Implement Co near Charleston, MO for 32 years before his retirement. He was always working or tinkering on something, baling hay, or adding to his equipment collection. Bill enjoyed riding motorcycles, horse trail rides, tractor pulls, and spending time with family, friends, and his beloved dogs (Skeeter, Macho, and Baby).

Bill met, fell in love, and married Shelia Duty on December 24, 1971, who survives of the home.

Bill is survived by a large family that loved and will miss him dearly. They include his three sons Billy (Stephanie) Taylor Jr, Jesse (Dianna) Burrell, and Stacy (Tracy) Kestner.

Grandchildren Andrea (Chris) Kneezle, Bethany (Russell) Hensley, Caitlin (Cody) Morrow, Breanna (David) Bledsoe, Colt Taylor, and Colin Taylor.

Step-grandchildren Cole Jernigan and Jesseca Nelson.

Great-grandchildren Ally Kneezle, Ella Kneezle, Archer Hensley, and Tripp Hensley.

Siblings Bob Taylor, Thomas ¨Bud¨ Taylor, Betty Krauss, and Don Ray Taylor.

Sister-in-law Esther ¨Sissy¨ Lawless & her partner Kenny Parker along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Jaxson Christopher Kneezle, and his father-in-law & mother-in-law, Ed and Ann (Priest) Duty.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

Graveside committal services will follow at the East Prairie Memorial Park Cemetery

McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.