Jess Winston Taylor

Jess Winston Taylor

2 August 1929 – 16 June 2023

COL Jess W. Taylor, United States Army Reserve (Retired), passed away Friday June 16, 2023. He was born August 2, 1929 in Kansas City, MO to Lewis and Helen Taylor.

Jess graduated from Wichita East High School and Wichita State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1950.

Jess was the Kansas North Manager for Modern Woodman Life Insurance for over 28 years. He served in the Kansas Army National Guard and then Army Reserve totaling over 34 years of service to the Nation.

Jess was a devoted Husband, Father, and Citizen-Soldier. He was well-loved throughout the Topeka area where he was a member of the First Christian Church, Military Officers Association of America, a 32nd degree Mason, and member of the Topeka Art Guild. He was a renowned artist that did thousands of caricatures ranging from graduations to holiday events.

He is survived by his wife, Jean, with over 72 years of marriage, and sons Dave, Chuck, and daughter-in-law Becky, Grandchildren, their spouses, Lauren (husband, Joe), Courtney, Chris (and wife, Venicia) , and Sarah (husband, Brad). He was very proud of his 6 great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.

Jess was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Warren, Bob and Charlana, Daughter-in-law, Diane and grandson, Zachary.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the First Christian Church,1880 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66604.