ELKHART -- Jack L. Taylor, 85, of 26251 Lake Drive, died Saturday (June 24, 2006) in Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born May 1, 1921, in Elkhart to Charles and Mildred (Carlyle) Taylor. He married the former Lois L. Boyer on April 16, 1943, in Elkhart, at the former Simpson United Methodist Church.

She survives in Elkhart, along with two sons, Ron (Sue) and Dan (Sandy) Taylor, both of Elkhart; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and two half-brothers, Charles "Buster" Taylor of Freemont and Hugh "Pudge" Taylor of Osceola.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, where funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday. The Rev. Dr. William Hemmig of St. Paul's United Methodist Church will officiate, with full military honors conducted by Diasabled American Veterans Chapter 19 and the U.S. Army burial honors unit. Cremation will follow the service with inurnment to take place at a later date at the Veterans Towers at Prairie Street Cemetery.

Mr. Taylor was a retired vice-president for Elkhart County Abstract Co., where he worked for 45 years. After his retirement, he worked at Meridian Title Corp. for four years. He was a 1939 graduate of Elkhart High School, a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church and Elkhart Moose Lodge 599, a life member of Elkhart Elk's Lodge 425, and a former member of Elkhart Lion's Club.

Mr. Taylor was a first life-member of the Elkhart Jaycee's. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and woodworking. He was a World War II Army veteran, serving from 1942 to 1946, when he was honorably discharged. He was with the Second Battalion, 120th Infantry, during the Normandy, Rhineland and Central European campaign. His unit, the 120th, received a distinguished unit badge.

In the service, Mr. Taylor also received three Battle Stars, two Purple Hearts with Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Star Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

Memorials may be given to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Elkhart Elk's Lodge Student Scholarship Fund, or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.billingsfuneralhome.com.