Melford Dean Taylor, 94, of Kankakee, formerly of Urbana and Homewood, passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2014. A visitation will be held Sunday, October 19 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana, Illinois. A funeral service will take place immediately following at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Raymond Gordon officiating. Burial will be held at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview.

Mel was born November 21, 1919, in Urbana to Samuel and Katherine (Ice) Taylor. On January 31, 1942, he married Mary Gordon; she survives. Mel is also survived by daughter, Anita Rasmussen (Ken); grandchildren, Kirsten Victor (Wayne), Brett Rasmussen (Megan); and great-grandchildren, Greta Victor, and David, Kenneth, and Robert Rasmussen. Mel was preceded in death by his parents, son, Lee Taylor, brother, Bernard Taylor, and sisters, Irene Halberstadt, and Alberta Moore.

Mel graduated with honors from the University of Illinois. He entered the U.S. Army in 1942, attaining the rank of Captain in the Signal Corps while stationed in Europe. After WWII, he began a career that spanned five decades with Commonwealth Edison Co., retiring as an Assistant Vice-President. He was active in many community projects and organizations, including the American Legion, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion, P.O. Box 2910, Bloomington, IL 61702. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.