Dakota J. Taylor

Dakota "Kody" James Taylor, 20, of Monmouth died in a motorcycle accident in Galesburg, IL on March 26, 2015.

Kody was born on May 3, 1994 at Proctor Hospital in Peoria, IL. the son of Joe and Jennifer (Howell) Taylor. He graduated from M-R High School in 2012. After graduation he worked for Independent Refrigeration & Heating and most recently Martin-Sullivan John Deere dealership in Galesburg.

His love and dream was to be a firefighter. He earned his certification as a first responder and served as a volunteer firefighter with the Central Warren Fire Protection District. He also volunteered as a 1st responder with the Alexis Ambulance Service. He currently was enrolled in a basic EMT class at OSF to further his goal of becoming a firefighter.

Another of his passions was his love of riding anything that went fast such as his dirt bikes, motorcycle or his snowmobile with his friends. He said many times how freeing and exhilarating it was when he was riding his bikes or motorcycle.

He cared deeply for his family and his friends. He always closed his conversations with his family with an "I love you". He loved hanging out with his friends and was always there when a friend had a need. He also was fiercely protective of friends and family even when it sometime landed him in trouble. His personality lit up a room and sometimes was over the top. He had a playful streak that resulted in numerous pranks played on friends and family.

He was a member of Northwoods Community Church of Peoria. He gave his life to the Lord when he was at church camp in Michigan as an early teen. Our Kody now rests at peace in Jesus's arms.

He is survived by his father, Joe (Nikki) Taylor of Bloomington, mother Jennifer Taylor of Monmouth; his sister, Abbey Taylor of Monmouth; Grandparents, Jerry (Vicki) Howell of Showlow, AZ., Susan (Mick) Trevor of Monmouth, Cindy (Stan) Rybolt of Williamsfield, IL; Great-Grandmother Irene Norbits of Peoria, IL; Uncles Jon Howell of Connecticut, Roger Taylor of Peoria, Danny Midlam of Missouri; Aunts Linda Marchand of Peoria. IL., Judy Norbits of Ohio and numerous cousins, great-uncles and aunts.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 30, 2015 at McGuire and Davies Funeral Home and Crematory in Monmouth with Pastor Jack Toal officiating which will be followed by a Fireman's Tribute Ride to Warren County Memorial Park. Friends may call Monday at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home where his family will be present from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Cremation will take place following the service. Memorials may be made to Firefighters Association Fund.