Chester Lorenzo Taylor's journey of life ended on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the age of 91. He was born on July 13, 1934 to the late Luevailue Taylor (Roddy) and Charles Taylor in Youngstown, OH.

Chester attended East High School where he met his late wife, Helen, and married in 1957. They were married for 48 years, and had a daughter, Crystal Taylor, before Helen's passing in September 2006.

In August 1954, Chester served in the Army's Third Armored Division (the "Spearhead"), Combat Command "C", Company "D" of the 36th Armored Infantry Battalion in Fort Knox, KY. Then, in 1955, he served the 11th Airborne Infantry Regiment (the "Angels"), Company "K", in Fort Campbell, KY, where their motto was "Strength from Above."

Chester was a paratrooper and a truck driver, serving in Germany while in Europe. After his service, he returned to Columbus and married his East High School friend, Helen Islev Holmes.

He was a laborer, his dedication and work ethic a result of being the child of the Depression Era. His first job was picking fruits and vegetables, and then becoming a Framer while working in construction. Never giving up when working to provide better for his family, he then got a job with Federal Glass, where he stayed for 23 years, becoming a foreman. When Federal Glass transferred their operation to New Jersey, taking everything with them, pension and all, Chester had to start over. He worked for International Paper Company until he had a better opportunity with Techneglas, where he worked for 17 years before retiring.

After the heartbreak of miscarriages and a tubal pregnancy, Chester and Helen chose to become foster parents, bringing additional sons and daughters into their family life. They dedicated themselves to fostering for over 45 years, raising and influencing over 150 children. During this time, their work received numerous awards as Foster Parents of the Year or Runner Ups (1975, 1976, 1995, 1998, and 2003).

After Helen's passing in September 2006, Chester continued to volunteer for Franklin County Children Services as a mentor, receiving awards in 2010 and 2011.

Chester is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Luevailue (Roddy) Taylor; Wife, Helen Taylor; Sisters, Dorothy (Tom deceased) White and Gloria Jean (Stelbern deceased) Davidson. Grandchildren, twins, Faith and Hope Blue (David and Crystal); Chosen Sons, Randy Nelms and Bryan Johnson; as well as other family members too numerous to name.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Crystal Taylor-Blue, of Suisun, CA and OH; grandchildren, David Blue Jr. (43) of Columbus, OH, Jessica Blue (39) of Plano, TX, Elisha Blue (30) of Vacaville, CA, Edward Blue (26) of Suisun, CA, and Joy Blue (19) of Vacaville, CA; great-grandchildren, Keyon Blue (15) (David Jr.) and 5 Bonus Grandchildren (Danielle) of Columbus, OH, Xyla Vyoletta Blue (1) (Elisha) and 3 Bonus Grandchildren (Saray) of Vacaville, CA. He also leaves son, Garry Rispress, of Columbus, OH and Atlanta, GA; his children, granddaughter, Meghan and grandson, Malachi, of Columbus, OH; granddaughter, Paris Nelms of Columbus, OH (Laura, Randy deceased); grandchildren, Byron and Amber Johnson of OH and siblings (Bryan Johnson deceased); and many sons and daughters from Franklin County Children Services and surrounding communities. Too numerous to list, but well loved, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and extended relatives.

Chester loved Fishing, Black History, and was an active member of the U.G.R.R. (Under Ground Railroad Group) which took many trips to historical slave landmarks in Ohio and along the east coast. He loved sports, The Ohio State Buckeyes football and basketball teams, and the Cleveland Browns. He enjoyed visiting the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. He also loved fishing on boats, the banks, rivers, and lakes. Vacationing with his family was always planned one year in advance (especially when you're taking 6-9 people). Whether it was camping or staying in a hotel or motel, it was always a fun learning adventure for the whole family.

Chester had the nickname of "Ironman". He believed and practiced physical fitness daily, whether it was bicycling, line dancing with his group "Men in Black", exercising, and walking. We were still doing 3 leg lifts even while he was passing away. He was a Men among Men, working always to be a better version of himself. Loyal to family and friends. Tall, dark, and handsome, and a smile that just made everything alright and problems melt away.

He was a promoter of higher education or learning a trade as a way out of poverty. He saved money for the unexpected and encouraged people to do the same, along with making better choices, forgiving others and walking in love. Choose Faith in God as It will help you through life events.

He was a member of New Hope Church in Youngstown, OH as an active member of World Harvest until it became too far to drive. He also visited Columbus Bible Way Church in Columbus, OH.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jean Griswold Foundation at:

https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/jean-griswold-foundation/south-columbus

or to:

The Hospice Promise Foundation

2550 Corporate Exchange Dr.

Suite 101

Columbus, OH 43231

Thank you for all the prayers and cards.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 13 from 10 am until the time of funeral service at 12 pm at O.R. Woodyard Co. SOUTH CHAPEL, 1346 S. High St. Columbus, OH. Interment will follow at Franklin Hills Memory Garden, 5802 Elder Rd. Canal Winchester, OH 43110.

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