John Stuart Taylor, age 85, of Shelby, passed away early Tuesday morning, May 19, 2026, at Lexington Court Care Center.
Born on February 20, 1941, in Shelby, Ohio, he was the son of the late Elmer and Doris (Boor) Taylor. He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School with the Class of 1959 and was always involved in excavating and construction projects. He was drafted into the US Army infantry service during the Vietnam War serving from 1965-1966 where he ended up becoming the battalion carpenter, which was his true passion. After honorably serving his country, John began working at Orrville Trucking and Grading. Shortly thereafter, he became the owner of John Taylor Excavating and retired as an independent truck driver after many years of service in the industry.
John is survived by six children, John Taylor Jr., Sean (Amy) Lotz, Robert (Juanita) Taylor, Frank (Dina) Taylor, Lee (Amber) Taylor, and Neil (Brooke) Taylor; fifteen grandchildren, Justin, Mack (Jen), Ryan, Madeline, Lindsey, Dakota, Jacob, Jeffrey, Nicholas, Josh, Allison, Paige, Scott, Luke, and Camaren; four great-grandchildren, Lilah, Atlas, Gwen, and Henry; and a sister, Karen.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Dovenbarger Lotz Taylor; a brother, Tom; and a sister, Helen.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A memorial service will immediately follow at 11:30 AM. He will be laid to rest in Little Washington Cemetery with military honors presented by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Squad.
Words of condolence may be expressed at www.wappner.com
Funeral Home: Wappner Funeral Directors & Crematory-Ontario
Website: www.wappner.com