Eddie C. "Connie" Taylor

To join the livestream broadcast of Connie's funeral service, please select the link below. The livestream will commence at 10:55 A.M. Tuesday, November 25, 2025. The service will be archived for 90 days following the funeral service for later viewing. Please note... if you are unable to join the service remotely or if service is sporadic due to inadequate internet connection, please know that the service broadcast will be uploaded following the service and will be available for viewing beginning Tuesday afternoon. We apologize for any inconvenience. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2Mzg0MDc3ODM4OTg5NiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== Eddie C. “Connie” Taylor, age 85 years, a resident of rural Vienna, Illinois, passed away peacefully Friday morning, November 21, 2025, at 8:39 A.M. at his home. Connie, as he was known to family and friends, was born September 1, 1940 in Johnson County Illinois. He was the son of J. Ralph Taylor and Doris (Murphy) Taylor. On August 19, 1961, Connie was united in marriage to Janice M. Hayden at the Vienna First United Methodist Church. She survives. In addition to his wife, Connie is survived by: daughters – Tyra Jan (Sondra Wise) Taylor of Carterville, Illinois and Jamie Renee Stiles of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; a sister – Joyce (Jim) Gray of Vienna, Illinois; 2 brothers – Kenneth Taylor of Vienna, Illinois and Jim (June) Taylor of Mesa, Arizona; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends and neighbors. In addition to his parents, Connie was preceded in death by: a son-in-law – Terry Stiles; a brother and sister-in-law – Carl & Bonnie Taylor; a sister and brother-in-law – Colleen & Arthur Lewis; and a sister-in-law – Norma Faye Taylor. Connie was a 1958 graduate of Vienna High School. He was employed throughout his working career in the construction and carpentry trades. He worked along with Tom Anderson as well as Omer H. Taylor on countless construction projects. He assisted with the building phase of sections of Interstate 24, The Illinois Centre Mall in Marion, the construction of the Vienna Correctional Center, as well as additions and improvements to the Choate Mental Health Center in Anna. While employed by Taylor-Gray Construction, he assisted with a number of commercial and residential building projects throughout the region. For many years, Connie owned and maintained a number of residential properties in and around Vienna. Connie was a former member of the Carpenters Union. Connie’s passion was the land and farming. Following the family’s return to Southern Illinois in 1966, after having resided in the Elgin area for employment, Connie began farming. While working full-time, he maintained a grain and livestock operation. Connie raised hogs but particularly enjoyed raising cattle. His COWS were his pride and joy. In 2007, the family was recognized by the Illinois Department of Agriculture with a Centennial Farm status. The 115 acre farm, was originally acquired in 1899 by Connie’s great-grandmother, Barbara A. Cummins, and has remained in the family’s ownership continuously. The farm has hosted many gatherings and for over 20 years was the site for annual family reunions. Connie enjoyed riding his 4-wheeler across his farm property, often accompanied by his beloved canine companions, Sadie and Alley. Connie was a member of the Johnson County Farm Bureau. He had also served on the New Simpson Hill School Board and, until ill health prevented him from carrying out his responsibilities, he was the sexton of the Taylor Cemetery. This responsibility has been assumed by his wife, Janice, and brother, Kenneth. Connie was a faithful member and former trustee of Taylor United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday morning, November 25, 2025, at 11 A.M. at Taylor Church, 5760 U.S. Highway 45 North, Vienna, Illinois. Pastor Bill Schell will officiate. Interment will be in the Taylor Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, November 24, 2025, from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. There will also be a time of visitation Tuesday morning, November 25, 2025, from 10 A.M. until the funeral hour at 11 A.M. at Taylor Church. Memorials may be made to the Taylor Cemetery, and mailed in care of Bailey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 695, Vienna, Illinois 62995. Donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.

Eddie C. "Connie" Taylor

September 1, 1940 - November 21, 2025