Willard Tom Taylor, 78, of Du Quoin, passed away at 12:30 P.M., Saturday, September 16, 2023 at his residence.
Tom had been a mechanic for the coal mines and worked at Zeigler, Consol Coal and Peabody Coal.  He was a member of UMWA and Operating Engineers.  Tom had also worked as a mechanic for Sierra Bravo.  He was a 1963 graduate of Pinckneyville High School.  Tom loved the Great Smokey Mountains and playing penny machines at the casino.  He enjoyed all his many friends that came and visited with him in his garage.  If the door was up, they came.
He was born March 16, 1945 in Pinckneyville, IL, the son of Clyde T. and Lillian J. (Davis) Carter.
He married Marcia Gaetz on October 3, 1964 in Cutler, IL and she survives.
He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin, one son - Frank T. Taylor of Marion, one granddaughter - Riley Faith Taylor of Campbell Hill, three half sisters - Linda Goddard of Sparta, Janet Greenwood of Willisville, and Kathy Hagene and husband John of Mulkeytown, one step brother - Loren Craig of Willisville, many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister - Doris Taylor.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Gary Pruitt officiating.
Friends may call from 10 A.M. until the time of service on Saturday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin.
Thanks to Dr. Pusic and her team at Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, SIH Cancer Center, Dr. Cuartas and Nurse Stacy.
Friends may make memorials to Leukemia Foundation, Hospice of Southern Illinois or SIH Cancer Center and will be accepted at the funeral home.