Obituaries

Charles Monroe Taylor, known to family and friends as Chuck, 83, of Southgate, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at the VA Hospital. He was surrounded by the care and presence of many members of his loving family.

Charles was born to the late Harold E. Taylor and Dorothy Mynheir Taylor. He attended the University of Kentucky in Lexington and proudly served in the United States Navy until January 1966. During his service, he was awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam), and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.

Later in life, Charles had the honor of participating in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., accompanied by his brother, Gene Taylor. During the trip, he was escorted by his great-niece, Alexandra Hudepohl (now Burk), to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial-an experience that held deep personal meaning for him and his family.

Following his military service, Charles worked for Walton & Walton Engineers as part of their land surveying team. He later worked for Hi-Gear as a metal fabricator. A skilled craftsman and artist, he took great pride in creating both small- and large-scale frogs.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and by his wife, Mary Lynn Howes.

He is survived by his devoted companion of 17 years, Diane Cottingham; his brother, Harold E. “Gene” Taylor, and sister-in-law Phyllis A. Taylor; his sister, Nancy Taylor Walton (the late David Walton); his nephew, Harold E. Taylor III; his niece, Rebecca “Becky” Taylor Hudepohl (Joseph); and his niece, Melanie Robertson (Fitzroy). He is also survived by many great-nephews and great-nieces, including Harold E. (Hal) Taylor IV; Alexandra Hudepohl Burk (Daniel); Madeline Claire Hudepohl; Henry Joseph Hudepohl IV; Gabriella Robertson; and Olivia Robertson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the Southgate Community Center in Southgate, Kentucky.

Memorial contributions are suggested to The League for Animal Welfare, 4193 Taylor Rd., Batavia, OH 45103, 513-735-2299.