Stephen E. Taylor of Republic passed away April 29, 2025, at home. He went to be with the Lord to rejoice with family and friends.

He was born in West Plains April 12, 1944, to father, Ernest Taylor and mother, Watseka (Dobbs) Taylor. Stephen married the love of his life, Susie (Crabtree) Taylor November 21, 1962, and they were married 62 years. Their precious son, Stephen "Kent" Taylor was born January 19, 1965.

Steve graduated from West Plains High School in 1962. After graduating, he worked for Link Motor Supplies as a parts man. The family moved to Springfield in 1966, where he worked at Terrill Phelps Chevrolet as a parts man. Then, in March of 1968, he went to work for Frisco Railroad for 31 years. Steve was a carman and worked on the wrecking crew rerailing cars and engines.

He loved to hunt, fish, garden and ride motorcycles.

Steve could rebuild vehicle engines and build woodwork items. Those railroaders could build anything. He even built a tractor that had a snow blower and would clean neighbor's driveways.

In 1985, he had 4 weeks of vacation and he and Susie took a trip on a motorcycle. He built a small trailer to pull and carry things. They traveled the southern route and came back the northern route, visiting a lot of relatives.

Steve is survived by his wife of 62 years, Susie; son Kent and his wife Linda; grandsons Ryne and Alek Crull; great-grandkids Parker, Kennedy, and Bristol; brothers Stanley and Kenny Taylor of West Plains; sister Judy and Lee Scott of Columbia; sister-in-law Joy Willard of West Plains; along with several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother Watseka (Dobbs) Taylor; father Ernest Taylor; stepdad Earl Crow; father-in-law and mother-in-law Seth and Vivian Crabtree; brother-in-law Terry Willard; and nephew Shane Willard.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Foundation, or the Historical Railroad Museum and mail to Bill Heiss, president of the museum, 2531 E. Cherokee St., Springfield, MO 65804.

Steve liked being a volunteer at the museum.

We want to thank Hospice for being there for us. I would also like to thank my precious friend, Shelly for sending me chimes with the saying, "When tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart. For every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart."