John Gregory Taylor

February 17, 1946 – September 28, 2025

John Gregory Taylor, beloved step-brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away suddenly on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the age of 79. Born in Beloit, Wisconsin, on February 17, 1946, to Dorothy M. and Owen J. Taylor, John was raised in the greater Beloit area alongside his step-siblings Lane, and predeceased Owen Jr. and Donna.

He graduated from Beloit Memorial High School in 1964 and attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering. A visionary and hardworking man, John joined his father and brother in the family business, Taylor Design Inc., which began humbly in the basement of their home. With passion and perseverance, the business grew, eventually relocating to Rockton Road in Roscoe, Illinois, where John co-founded and led Two Dogg Inc. until its sale and his retirement in 2021.

John married Judith Taylor in 1968, and together they had three children: Leslie, Karrie, and John. After their divorce, John found true love again and married the love of his life, Jacquin “Jackie” Taylor, on August 16, 1986. With their union, he welcomed a fourth child, Chad Vandre, and together they built a beautiful blended family in Roscoe, Illinois, where they resided for many joyful years.

A man of many talents and passions, John lived life to the fullest. He was an adventurer, a builder, a dreamer, and a doer. He spent countless happy hours boating on the Rock River — proudly known as a “RiverRat” — flying airplanes, racing cars through the Sports Car Club of America, and towing his racecar across nearly every state in the country. A true gearhead, John loved his Corvettes and had a deep appreciation for well-made machinery, often collecting and restoring antique items built with purpose and craftsmanship.

John was an accomplished outdoorsman, big-game hunter, cowboy, and conservationist. He cherished his time with Jake Clark and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, especially exploring Cody, Wyoming, on muleback. A skilled marksman from a young age, he earned a place as an Illinois All-State Trap Shooter and was passionate about bird hunting and collecting antique firearms.

Golf, however, became one of his greatest joys later in life. He shared many tee times at the Beloit Country Club, often playing in several leagues and spending countless hours embracing the precision and focus of the sport. A fabulous golfer with a naturally low handicap, he never stopped improving and found great peace and joy on the course.

John was deeply involved in conservation efforts, dedicating decades of his life to Ducks Unlimited. His commitment to the outdoors, wildlife, and preserving the environment was as much a part of him as his legendary work ethic and warm-hearted nature.

John’s legacy lives on in his beloved wife, Jackie; his children: Leslie and her husband Robert, Karrie and her husband Scott, John and his wife Rachael; and his late son, Chad Vandre. He is also survived by his grandchildren:

– Chad’s children: Bastian Vandre, Garrison Vandre, and Griffin Vandre

– Leslie’s children: Ashley Bozeman, Paige Lopez, and Shelby Griffith

- Karrie’s child: Taylor Truglia

– John’s children: Drew Carlton, Lucas Carlton, EJ Carlton, Micah Carlton, and Emma Carlton

– Great-grandchildren: Olivia Bozeman, Cayden Griffith, and Collin Bozeman

He will be remembered for his boundless energy, sharp mind, generous spirit, deeply held and freely shared opinions, blunt and honest feedback, and above all, the deep love he had for his family and the world around him.

A private family service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in John’s honor to the Evans Scholars Foundation. https://wgaesf.org/