Dewey Arnold Taylor, 91, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025, at Seminary Village.
He was born on April 20, 1934, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to Lloyd Lucius Taylor and Frances Crothers, both of whom preceded him in death. Dewey was one of twelve siblings in a large and loving family. He moved to Galesburg during his youth, where he attended Galesburg High School and was a proud Silver Streak, playing both basketball and baseball.
Dewey worked for 42 years at Admiral/Maytag in Galesburg, earning a reputation as a dedicated employee and a skilled tradesman. In addition to his career, he developed a lifelong skill in plumbing—taught to him by a close friend—and generously used it to help family, friends, and neighbors.
Family was central to Dewey’s life. He is survived by his children: Valerie Crawley (Rayford Harvey) of Elk Grove, CA; Anitra (Robert) Grimes of Corona, CA; Julie Taylor of Jurupa Valley, CA; Sharlene Taylor of Galesburg; Lori (Tylain) Bell of Douglasville, GA; Tiana Calhoun of Galesburg; Terrance (Kalie) Taylor of Superior, CO; and Tamara Taylor of Aurora, CO. He also leaves behind stepsons Clee (Carla) Stanley and Corny (Dawn) Stanley of Galesburg. In addition, he is survived by twelve grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends.
Dewey is also survived by two brothers, Richard (Sandra) Taylor of Texas and Gregory (Zach) Taylor of Galesburg; and two sisters, Beatrice (the late Ray) Peoples and Ella (the late Reverend Harold) Boyd, both of Galesburg.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters—Wanda Coleman, Fredonia Ewing, and Marrietta (the late James) Jackson; and three brothers—Paul, Kenneth, Charles, and Lloyd Taylor.
Dewey had a lifelong passion for sports and was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and Lakers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He enjoyed bowling, playing horseshoes, roller skating, and visiting the casino. Music was another great love—he played the piano beautifully by ear, often sharing this gift with family and fellow residents at Seminary Village. In his later years, he cherished sitting outside the nursing home, greeting people as they passed and watching the cars go by, a pastime that brought him joy.
Dewey spent time living in Dothan, Alabama, for a number of years, before eventually returning to Galesburg, where his roots ran deep and his sense of community flourished.
Dewey will be remembered as a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and found joy in life’s simple pleasures. His humor, warmth, and generosity left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Celebration of Dewy’s life will begin with a visitation from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. A Memorial Services will follow at 11 a.m. at the chapel with Deacon Michael Crummer officiating. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or The Kidney Foundation. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com
Condolences & Remembrances
The family welcomes condolences and memories and is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this time. Stories, kind words, and moments shared with Dewey will be cherished as they honor a life well lived.
May his soul find rest, and may his memory be a blessing to all.
