Eugene “Gene” Warren Taylor

Eugene “Gene” Warren Taylor, 72, of Portage, WI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 20, 2017, at the Veterans Home in King, WI.

Gene was born on January 6, 1945, in Portage, to George Warren and Irene (Sutfin) Taylor. Gene, or “Tigger” as his friends nicknamed him, was a graduate of Portage High School. He worked as a mechanic and bartender until he enlisted in the Marine Corp. After his discharge from the Marines, he worked at ARMCO/Contec in Portage until his retirement. His favorite pastime was story-telling and hanging out with his friends at Jack’s Tap. He moved to the Veterans Home in King, WI, on April 7, 2017, where he received the greatest care from the kindest and professional staff on Floor 2, Stordock Hall.

Gene joined the Marine Corp on December 13, 1965, had his training as a Wireman at Camp Lejeune, NC, and did his tour of duty in Da Nang, Vietnam. Gene received an honorable discharge on December 7, 1967, with the rank of Corporal. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals, and a Marksman Badge. Gene was very proud to be a Marine.

He is survived by his sister, Sandra (Tom) Davidson; niece, Ronda Schehr (Patrick Hagan); great-nephew, Bryce Schehr; nephew, Troy (Shari) Genrick; great nephews, Dylan Genrick and McQuade McNaughton; sister, Ingrid Poppy; nephew, Eric (Tracy) Poppy; great-niece and nephew, Gabriella and Christian Poppy; two sons, Todd and Tim Taylor. He is further survived by the wonderful McMillan clan of Beaver Dam; his two best friends, Alan Kluge of 65 years and Jim Alexander; his “other mother”, Sally Gray; and many more family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irene and George Warren Taylor and step-mother, Neva P. Taylor.

Memorial services will be held at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage on Thursday, August 24, 2017, at 3:00 p.m., with Chaplain Nancy Davis officiating. Military honors will be provided following the service by the Briggsville Area Veterans. Private inurnment will be at a later date at Wyocena Cemetery in Wyocena, WI. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday, August 24, 2017, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Wisconsin Veterans Home at King (WVH-King), c/o Donations Office, Attn: Nick Pskie, N2665 Highway QQ, King, WI 54946. Memo line: Stordock Hall.