Larry Taylor

Larry Martin Taylor, 84, of Rockford, formerly of Bakersfield, CA, passed away on September 14, 2026. He was born on February 28, 1942, in Los Angeles, California; the son of Martin and Jonnie (Coleman) Taylor.

Larry graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1960. He married the love of his life, Janet E. Wilson, on August 10, 1963, in Bakersfield, California. Larry spent many years managing and eventually owning Kern Offroad, a career that perfectly reflected his passion for automobiles.

Larry had a lifelong love of cars, especially the classic 1957 Chevy. He enjoyed working on and repairing cars and loved racing them as well. If there was a car involved, Larry wanted to be a part of it. His creativity extended beyond automobiles, as he was also a talented artist who enjoyed modern oil and canvas painting. Larry was an enthusiastic collector of just about everything, always finding something new and interesting to appreciate and add to his collection.

Larry will be remembered for his many passions, his creativity, and the enthusiasm he brought to the things he loved.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Janet Taylor; his daughters Leslie (Joshua) Hazelbauer-Wetter and Teri (Fred) Thompson; daughter-in-law Maria Torres; grandchildren Matthew (Marybeth) Crabtree, Alyssa (Douglas) Sparling, Michelle (Adam) Jackson, Shawn (Jocelyn) Crabtree, Elyssa (Austin) Ambriz, and Jordan Thompson; 9 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Martin and Jonnie Wilson; son Larry “Kent” Taylor; and brother Scott Taylor.

The family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd, Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com