Walter J. "Woody" Taylor

Walter J. “Woody” Taylor, III, 56, of Parsons and formerly of Chetopa, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

He was born on December 21, 1969, to Walter J. and Forestine (Caldwell) Taylor, II, in Parsons, Kansas. As a young boy, he grew up in Chetopa and attended school in Columbus. While attending Chetopa High School, Woody was very athletic and participated in football, track, and basketball. He was a member of the Chetopa High School graduating class of 1987.

His first job was as a cook, and over the years worked as a roofer and later a truck driver, until becoming disabled five years ago.

Woody loved spending time with his family, especially going to his sons’ and grandchildren’s games. An outdoorsman at heart, he was a river rat who enjoyed fishing and camping.

He was a member of the Black Dog Powder Club in Oswego.

On March 28, 1992, Woody and Marsha Dawn Gilliland were united in marriage at Lavern’s Wedding Chapel in Miami, Oklahoma. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include:

Three sons – Justin Michael Taylor (LaTisha Hinman) of Parsons, Kansas

Marcheskee Valentino Barber (Crystial Nickelson) of Parsons, Kansas

Devon James Taylor (Meghan) of Omaha, Nebraska

12 Grandchildren – Declan, Elijah, Warren, Gideon, Aubrey, LaMichael, Shyann, Sophia, Saniya, Jasmine, Messiah, and Keon

One brother – James Walker of Eagan, Minnesota

Three sisters – Audrey Johnson of Joplin, Missouri

Norma Taylor of Joplin, Missouri

Charolette Taylor of Joplin, Missouri

Nephew and nieces – Eddy Garcia, Kiera Robinson, and Ashlynn Johnson

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant twin brother, Wayne Taylor.

The memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa. Inurnment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa.

Memorials are suggested to defray final expenses. Checks can be made payable to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.