William (Ben) Taylor Jr.

William Bennett (Ben) Taylor Jr., 85, of Poplar Bluff passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2019, at his home.

Ben was born in Santa Monica, California on January 23, 1934, the son of William B. and Charlene (Varney) Taylor Sr.

Ben enlisted in the Army in 1949 and served in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts where he was awarded a silver star, bronze star with "V" device, purple heart, and was honorably discharged in 1969. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division, Charlie Company "Black Widows", Vietnam Helicopters Assn., VFW, and American Legion.

Some of Ben's favorite hobbies included time with God and family, scuba diving, racing motorcycles, watching movies and traveling the world all while living life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by five children, Susan Cooper of Ellsinore, MO, William B. Taylor III (Diane) of Barstow, CA, Connie Swan (Kevin) of Poplar Bluff, MO, Peter Norton (Dawn) of Poplar Bluff, MO, and Cheryl Malone (Steve) of Battle Creek, MI; 14 grandchildren 17 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters and one brother, Peggy Lee Taylor of Eldorado, CA, Janet Phillips (Jeff) of Bothell, WA and Robert Von Taylor of Felton, CA, and additional family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Christopher G. Taylor.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Road, St. Louis, MO with Rev. Kevin McAnulty officiating, and military funeral honors accorded by the United States Army Honor Guard.