Clinton Wainwright (Wain) Taylor July 29, 1948 - June 3, 2023

Wain Taylor, a beloved uncle, friend, and pillar of the community, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2023.

Born on July 29, 1948, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Wain was the second son of James Monroe Taylor and Margaret (Baker) Taylor. Wain’s journey of a lifetime began when he crossed paths with his late wife, Lynette, while he was enrolled at Murphysboro Township High School. After graduating, their love story continued to unfold as they married on August 31, 1968. Together, they established their home in Hurst, Il. He later earned an Associate in Applied Science degree and a certificate in Mining Technology from Rend Lake College before enlisting in the U.S. Army and serving in Vietnam.

Upon his return from military service, Wain embarked on a new chapter by taking his strong work ethic and building Mac-Weld. Wain’s heart was very loyal to his community and he dedicated himself to numerous organizations. Among his most cherished roles was serving as the American Legion Post 664 Commander. Later, he continued his service at Post 645, where he recently served as the Armourer and the Junior Vice Commander, alongside active participation in the Honor Guard.

Wain also found camaraderie in his involvement with the Hurst Masonic Lodge #1004, where he served as a member for nearly 40 years. He also held a fondness for his time as a Scoutmaster and former Jaycees President. While Wain’s days were filled with service and responsibilities, he knew the importance of finding joy in life’s simple pleasures. He was a Sprint car and NASCAR enthusiast, a boater at Crab Orchard Lake, where he shared many laughs and memories with his friends and family, and a long-time supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals. Above all else, Wain will be remembered as a genuinely kind-hearted man, and his presence in the community will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Wain is survived by his niece, Pamela Cox, and her husband, Bill Cox, along with his great-niece, Taylor McKee, and her husband, Scott Van Dort. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill Taylor and his first wife, Lynette Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the following organizations in Wain’s honour:

• The American Legion Post 665
• The Hurst Masonic Lodge 1004
• The Marion VA Medical Center

A visitation and funeral service will take place on Friday, June 9, 2023, at Walker’s Funeral Home in Carbondale. Visitation hours will be from 11 am to 1 pm, followed by the funeral service at 1 pm. The grave service will be conducted at 2:30 pm at the Carterville City Cemetery in Carterville, concluding with a celebration of Wain’s life at the American Legion Post 645 at 3:30 pm.

Walker Funeral Home of Carbondale entrusted with arrangements.