Mr. Taylor was my teacher, I graduated with Robert.  My father worked with his mother in the district.  My prayers 

My name is Rich Buxton. I had hoped to have attended Larry’s visitation, but my wife Carolyn’s 58 yr. battle with Type 1 Diabetes & my own heart issues just made that too risky. I hope Shirley & the Taylor family will understand. In 2003, I retired as principal of Cahokia High School. In 1999, Larry retired as CHS principal. In 1963, I graduated from CHS. In 1962, Larry graduated from CHS. Who would have ever suspected that years later not only would we be educators at the same school, but that we would also be part of the same administrative team, he as principal & I as his assistant. I was not Larry’s first choice as assistant, I was not his second or his third, but he accepted me & he gave willingly of his knowledge & his experience. Larry Taylor was my colleague, Larry Taylor was my mentor, Larry Taylor was my friend. 
          I believe that each of us is born with a built in GPS - God’s Positioning System, a sophisticated navigational package that divinely aligns us with people, who, at pivotal moments in our life, keep us from losing our way, who realign us, who keep us on track, who encourage & assist us when we desperately need it. At a time when I was not sure if I had what it took to be a successful high school administrator, unsure if I could be the leader that students & staff needed & deserved, God’s Positioning System activated & placed Larry Taylor in my path. In moments of indecision & doubt, he was there to inspire. At times of puzzlement & lack of confidence, he was there to encourage. During periods of success & achievement, he was there to praise. Larry Taylor was my colleague, he was my mentor, he was my friend. 
          Carolyn & I pray that God will wrap His comforting arms around Larry’s family & friends. At  the first anniversary of my mother’s passing, I offered these words from Winnie the Pooh to those gathered at her grave, “If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.”




I was told as a youngster that my Uncle Larry named me. Well I just learned that’s not exactly how it happened but it’s close enough for me to hold on to my truth.  I love my name and I love my Uncle Larry. 
I’m so happy we visited this past Labor Day. I wish I’d asked more questions.  I wish we talked more.  I will forever cherish the time we did spend together making our Keurig coffee, nibbling on muffins and chatting. Rest Uncle, you will be missed.

Shirley, Eric, Lance, Shannon and all dear family,  I hold each of you in my heart.
Mr. Taylor, Coach Taylor, Uncle Larry he was all of these to me and more. My life is filled with Uncle Larry memories. A conversation with him left you wiser, time spent with him left you richer and laughing with him increased your joy in life. We are family and this great man now watches over us in spirit. I'll love him forever!
Rest easy, Larry


I’m Jun’s aunt, Roxie Gladney Scott, and we grew-up together.  My fond memories of playing with Jun and his brothers at my parent’s house will always be with me.  I love you, your uncle and all your family in Chicago will miss you dearly.  We praise God for your life and know you are alright in God’s hands. 

I will always remember being a student in your history class. The stories you shared about life taught us so much more than history.  Thank you for being the teacher who truly cared. You impacted so many lives!

Dear Shirley and your dear family,
I am so very sorry for the sadness you are feeling.  But, if Pat would still be with me, we would both tell you that you had a very special husband and friend for life.  Pat and I both always enjoyed seeing you and Larry although certainly never often enough.  I remember way back in the late 1960s getting together when we were all newlyweds!  It was always so enjoyable.  Fortunately, Pat and Larry had many years together starting back in high school football days and all the way through teaching together and working together at Cahokia High School.  I will always remember his "giggle" when we would talk...obviously a special happy remembrance.  Please know that you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.  Love, Margie

One year we were on one of our many Taylor family vacations in Colorado. I was put in charge of making peanut butter sandwiches. My mom told me to make sure I put a lot on peanut butter on uncle Larry’s sandwich, so I loaded it up, or so I thought. I handed out the sandwiches and we immediately got back on the road. Back then, before cell phones, we communicated by walkie talkies between the cars. As soon as we pulled off, I hear uncle Larry over the walkie say, “You went a little skimpy on the peanut butter huh Tempe” and laughed really hard. Needless to say, the next time I made pb sandwiches, his peanut butter was at least 2 inches thick, lol. I always wanted to make my uncle Larry happy. I love all my memories!

"95 percent of success in life is just showing up!" Not only did you show up LT, you made a great difference in everything and everyone you touched. I have no doubt you've "showed up" in heaven and what great rejoicing there is! Thank you.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Taylor since high school and also attended church with him. He is one of the most sincere men ive ever known always a mentor and an inspiration to all that knew him. A true example of what a christian really is, god gained one of the best angels. I know he will be watching over his family and friends. My heart and prayers goes out to Mrs. Taylor and the rest of his family and friends. Praying God helps them all through this time of grief and loss. Mr. Taylor will be truly missed by all that knew him. Everyone had great respect for him. Rest in Paradise Mr. Taylor❤

I served as Mr. Taylor’s office assistant during my senior year at Cahokia High. I will always remember his kindness, booming laugh, and desire to help young people. He would even help me study for my classes on occasion if the office wasn’t busy. Eric and I were classmates also. My heart goes out to the whole family and all of us who had the pleasure of spending part of our lives with Larry. 


Coach Taylor was a great man and a pleasure to be around.  He always made me feel good with his infectious smile and laughter.  I enjoyed our time together as a team playing football for the Cahokia Comanches.  Most importantly he helped me with a football scholarship that has had a positive impact on my life from that moment on.  I wish you well in heaven.

Greg Mixon 

Uncle Larry was much more than a high school principal or an in-law, but always treated me like a son. Whether it was telling me to come get the motorcycle to put some miles on it,  or asking me to bring a drill with me the next time, lol.   He’s made countless memories with so many but what resonates most with me is his’ testimony.  A story that he’s often shared  on the struggles of being born into the South’s sharecropping  system and how the system is designed to always owe the landlord.  To escape, one night his’ dad loaded everyone and everything they owned into the family’s car and headed north.  Not that growing up in Centreville in the 50s  was free sailing,  but I think his’ dad taking this risk, coupled with a lot of grace and good decisions, enabled a life full of influence -  Something we should all strive for!  

I George Lee Taylor Jr. AKA Yogie can say my Uncle Larry was one of the BEST MEN in my life I’ve had the pleasure to know. Uncle Larry had the best smile, the best laugh, and a great sense of humor. I have shared the teachings from my Uncle Larry all around the United States and abroad and from his teachings to me, he has impacted people he has never met. I can remember the first time I beat my Wrestling Coach “Uncle Larry Taylor”, because I was on top of the World (as exhausted as I may have been). After that win, with some accountable words of encouragement, I ended the season with only three losses (2 of them to one guy, but I beat him to go to State). Uncle Larry helped me in High School, he helped with College, he helped me with Life, and I will always be grateful for the time I was able to spend with him. GOD Bless you all, because I could go on and on about the Inspiration Larry Taylor brought to my Life.

Always, Yogie


I graduated in 1982...I remember Coach Taylor as a good man with a sense of humor. My condolences to the family, I know he will be missed by all. But just know he is with our Heavenly Father and will always be with his family watching over you and guiding you. 

Rest in peace. He was always a kind soul. Remember our times in our youth as relatives. God bless his family.

Uncle Larry words can not express how much I Love and Miss You!! I want to Thank You for Always Encouraging, Supporting, and Believing in me when I did not Believe in Myself!! I always wanted to go to Cahokia because I knew that you were the Principal, but you and my daddy had other plans for me. I am smiling as I type this because no matter where I had a track meet I could Always look over to get the "Approving Look" from you and daddy. I want to Thank my Aunt Shirley, Eric, Lance, and Shannon for being selfless by Sharing Uncle Larry with all of us. Uncle Larry Rest Easy, and continue to Look over Us.

Always and Forever
Savannah (SamVannah)

I had the honor of serving on the Board of Directors of Life Church  with Larry for over 7 years. He was the chairman of the board and he made this assignment so enjoyable.   He was a godly man, a great businessman, and a great mentor to me, but most of all, he was a dear friend. We had lots of fun, lots of laughs, and we had several really challenging decisions to make.  I also had the honor of serving on the ladies ministry with his beautiful wife, Shirley, whom I cherish as a very special friend. I pray for Shirley and the entire Taylor family.   

Lawrence and I were classmates! We graduated in 1962! He was such a great guy! I have so many fond memories of our high school years! So so sorry for your loss! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!

Uncle Larry was not only my uncle, but my god-father, high school principal, fellow church board member, mentor, and so much more. As a teenager, he hired to do certain jobs, for example walking the family dog “Scamper” and ironing his work clothes. He showed me what great work ethic looked like and how to pursue excellence in education. More importantly, uncle Larry continued the passion of loving others, that was instilled in him by his parents, my grandparents  Lawrence & Mattie Taylor. Since my mama’s  home-going, he even adopted me as an honorary “sibling.” I was able to go to gatherings only designated for the Taylor siblings, I never took that lightly. In the last couple years, we spent hours gathering information on our family history. I promise to continue to work on that in his honor. I’ll never forget all of the life lessons he’s taught me over my 40 plus years. I’ll miss going to him for advice and talking with him on the porch for hours. I’ll miss all that he was to me. I’m blessed to have all my treasured memories. I know that he loved me, and I’ll never forget the words he told me in our more serious talks. I have peace that I showed my dear uncle, god-father, principal, church member, mentor, the genuine love I had for him. I love you to the moon and back uncle Larry! I’ll see you again in heaven.

Love Tempe

I can remember when we were young that Larry and still is Big Jun( Junior).  That’s what all of the younger cousins called him and he didn’t mind.  As we got older I remember the nickname Hoss and Larry. He was always kind and soft spoken and I liked to hear him laugh. He was and is our big cousin.  As I got older he became Lawrence Junior my cousin 🥰. I’m going to miss him. 💔

My favorite times with Larry were the numerous hours we spent together coaching football at Cahokia. We had our ups and downs but what a great ride it was. I am very humbled to share them with such a great man.

To the Taylor Family,
I am saddened by your loss.  I remember the family from Church Road in Centreville.  I was honored to have Larry as my high school principal and even more honored to care for him when he was a patient at Memorial.  
May we meet again someday in God's presence.
Cynthia Winfield

My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Shirley.  These days are difficult but your memories are beautiful and your family bond is strong.  God’s strength to you.
Chris

I was there when HOSS ran a 5 yard touchdown,hit the goalpost with his head,and cracked his helmet!That’s when I became a believer-Edgar Taylor 

Coach Taylor was a staple of my years at Cahokia High School.  What a great guy who will be sadly missed.

Hi, this is Nurse Jan.  Well, where do I start to tell everyone what Larry meant to me! I worked at CHS for 20 years as the school nurse.  I don't think I had ever met such a dynamic person as Larry-he was kind, tough when he had to be, empathetic, witty, caring so much for the students & staff. He helped me so much in my early years as a school nurse! I went crying to him a couple of times & he knew how to comfort me. I loved his wit. He so loved his family! He was so kind & understanding when I lost my husband in 1996. I always felt safe while Larry was principal!!  Now he will get his due rewards in Heaven, but we will all miss him being here with us!!

Thank you Mr Taylor for setting a great example and paving the way for administrators in Cahokia SD #187.

Not one particular memory . Just a continued memory.  It was always a treat to see Larry.  He had a winning smile and wonderful laugh. Enjoyed many dinners and parties. Felt like I was always part of the family.  Loved mom and brothers.   Was always great seeing your family grow up.   Thanks for being in my life.  💕💕

The first time I met Coach Taylor was as a high school wrestler for Belleville West meet against Cahokia the team he was coaching. His team did a pre match chant/prayer saying “God is first, my family is second and Wrestling is third”. The moment definitely has been an important memory in my life. This was in the early 1970’s. I had the pleasure of meeting him again several times over the years and he was always one of those people that makes you feel better than before you had talked to him. He was a great man and will be missed. I am sure he is enjoying heaven at this moment.

I was blessed to know Larry through his friend, Russ Baum.  Russ told stories from their years together as educators and it was evident he loved Larry and his family very much.  After I had the pleasure of spending time with Larry, I understood why he loved Larry so much
This past June we spent time with he and Shirley in Colorado and as his obituary reads, Larry was in awe of every inch of the Rocky Mountains. He knew every curve and winding road.  
Oh that laugh, it was almost a giggle and immediately put you in a happy place.  
He loved his family and spoke highly of each one, Shirley, Eric, Lance, and Shannon.  My heart aches for all of you.
God Bless you and your families. 

I was a student of Mr Taylor’s in 1972-1973. He was one of my favorite teachers.  He showed his love for teaching and sincerely cared for his students. A good since of humor and always  greeted us with a smile. I’m thrilled I had the chances to thank him for being my teacher and appreciated his caring and hard work.  I’m saddened  for his family and pray for God’s comfort. 

So very saddened by Larry’s passing. My career at CHS was greatly enhanced by having him as a boss, colleague, and friend.  While his first priority was influencing the lives of students he also tried to make the school environment positive for the faculty.  I loved his laugh and life attitude. Having Eric and Lance as students was a proof of his dedication as a father. Enjoyed occasions when socializing with Shirley and Larry. May God comfort you all during this time. 

Shirley, Shannon, Lance, Eric, and Taylor family — Carolyn and I are at a loss of words, but we are not at a loss of fond memories and good times together, from CHS school events to the many trips to Covered Bridge Festival to our CHS Retiree Get-togethers. Larry was always larger than life. During my administrative years at CHS, he was my inspiration, he was my wise counsel, he was my trusted friend. He had such an amazing impact on my life, one I will never forget. Several years ago after Carolyn and I had moved out of state, I sent Larry a letter, explaining that impact, how I treasured his friendship, and how that friendship had changed my life. May God embrace all of you and Larry’s many deeply saddened friends. 

Prayers for Mrs . Taylor and all the family. He was my American History teacher in 1968.  He was so nice. Sorry for your loss, he was a good man. We were friends on FB

OBITUARY

Lawrence Taylor Jr.

December 30, 1943 – October 20, 2021

Valhalla-Gaerdner-Holten Funeral Home & Valhalla Gardens

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