Vernon Tayloe

Vernon H. Tayloe, 78, of O’Fallon, MO, formerly of Bourbon, MO, passed away at his home on Friday, June 11, 2021.

Vernon was born September 3, 1942 in Bourbon, MO, to Henry Harrison and Ellen Caroline (Schaefer) Tayloe. He grew up on the family farm as the youngest of five. That is where he learned the value of hard work and the love of being outdoors. He attended and graduated from Sullivan High School, class of 1960. He then served in the United States Army and was stationed in Alaska, making parts for aircrafts during the Vietnam War. After his service ended, he became a tool and die machinist, making parts for GE and McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing). He retired in 2012.

Vernon was united in marriage to Mary Beth Sappington (Schmidt) on January 25, 1969. They were blessed with two children, Vernon H. Jr. and Rebecca Ann. They later divorced and he met his current wife, Carol Witt, in 1977. They became friends and went on to marry in 1989. They blended their families into one and resided in Wentzville, and later O’Fallon, MO. Carol was by his side when he passed.

Vernon was a loving father, stepfather, grandfather and husband. He was soft spoken, easy going and always had a smile on his face. Any question or favor asked of him was always answered by a happy, “sure”. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing. In his earlier years, most weekends were spent at the Lake of the Ozarks with his children and good friends, Bob and Carreen Mincemeyer and family, where they shared a small trailer. He went on many hunting excursions, making memories with his son in tents and behind blinds. As years passed, he continued going to the Lake of the Ozarks with his daughter on the weekends, going fishing and relaxing on the water. He loved spending time with his family.

In Vernon’s final days, he was constantly surrounded by many loving family members and friends. His granddaughter, Meagan, rarely left his side and was usually serenading him with her guitar.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Carol Tayloe, of O’Fallon, MO; two children: Vernon Tayloe, Jr. and wife, Shannon, and Becky (Tayloe) Johnson and husband, Chad; three stepchildren: Greg Witt and wife, Michelle, Jeff Witt and Michelle Zumwalt; two siblings: Marvin Tayloe and Ann (Tayloe) Eastman and husband, Don; eighteen grandchildren: Cole McCoy and wife, Ashley, Karl McCoy and wife, Taylir, Gage, Grace, Paige, Neveah, MacKenzie, MaKala and Charley Tayloe, Nathan, Ethan and Raegan Johnson, Christine, Ashly (husband Lucus), Cody (companion Lexi), Leah (companion Matt), John Paul Zumwalt and Meagan Zumwalt; eight great-grandchildren; special friends, Robyn Canada and Laura Thornton; as well as nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Ellen Tayloe; twin sisters, Rose Milne and Ruby Kostelecky; stepson, Gary David Witt; and granddaughter, Katie Witt.

Funeral services were held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial and full military honors began at 3 p.m. in Oak Hill Cemetery – Cuba, MO.

Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wednesday, prior to the service at Eaton Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions in Vernon’s memory may be made to NRA, Missouri Conservation and/or Five Acre Animal Hospital.

Online condolences can be shared with Vernon’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.