Eddie C. ‘Connie’ Taylor of rural Vienna
Eddie C. “Connie” Taylor, age 85 years, a resident of rural Vienna, passed away peacefully Friday morning, Nov. 21, 2025, at 8:39 a.m. at his home.
Connie, as he was known to family and friends, was born Sept. 1, 1940, in Johnson County. He was the son of J. Ralph Taylor and Doris (Murphy) Taylor.
On Aug. 19, 1961, Connie was united in marriage to Janice M. Hayden at the Vienna First United Methodist Church. She survives.
In addition to his wife, Connie is survived by daughters Tyra Jan (Sondra Wise) Taylor of Carterville and Jamie Renee Stiles of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; a sister, Joyce (Jim) Gray of Vienna; two brothers, Kenneth Taylor of Vienna and Jim (June) Taylor of Mesa, Ariz.; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends and neighbors.
In addition to his parents, Connie was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Terry Stiles; a brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Bonnie Taylor; a sister and brother-in-law, Colleen and Arthur Lewis; and a sister-in-law, Norma Faye Taylor.
Connie was a 1958 graduate of Vienna High School. He was employed throughout his working career in the construction and carpentry trades. He worked along with Tom Anderson as well as Omer H. Taylor on countless construction projects. He assisted with the building phase of sections of Interstate 24, the Illinois Centre Mall in Marion, the construction of the Vienna Correctional Center, as well as additions and improvements to the Choate Mental Health Center in Anna. While employed by Taylor-Gray Construction, he assisted with a number of commercial and residential building projects throughout the region. For many years, Connie owned and maintained a number of residential properties in and around Vienna. Connie was a former member of the Carpenters Union.
Connie’s passion was the land and farming. Following the family’s return to southern Illinois in 1966, after having resided in the Elgin area for employment, Connie began farming. While working full-time, he maintained a grain and livestock operation. Connie raised hogs but particularly enjoyed raising cattle. His cows were his pride and joy. In 2007, the family was recognized by the Illinois Department of Agriculture with a Centennial Farm status. The 115-acre farm was originally acquired in 1899 by Connie’s great-grandmother, Barbara A. Cummins, and has remained in the family’s ownership continuously. The farm has hosted many gatherings and for over 20 years was the site for annual family reunions. Connie enjoyed riding his 4-wheeler across his farm property, often accompanied by his beloved canine companions, Sadie and Alley.
Connie was a member of the Johnson County Farm Bureau. He had also served on the New Simpson Hill School Board, and until ill health prevented him from carrying out his responsibilities, he was the sexton of the Taylor Cemetery. This responsibility has been assumed by his wife, Janice, and brother, Kenneth.
Connie was a faithful member and former trustee of Taylor United Methodist Church.
Funeral services were conducted Tuesday morning, Nov. 25, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Taylor Church, 5760 U.S. Highway 45 North, Vienna. Pastor Bill Schell officiated.
Interment was in the Taylor Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. There was also be a time of visitation Tuesday morning, Nov. 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the funeral hour at 11 a.m. at Taylor Church.
Memorials may be made to the Taylor Cemetery, and mailed in care of Bailey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 695, Vienna, IL 62995. Donation envelopes are available at the funeral home.