Denzil "Denny" P. Taylor

Denzil “Denny” P. Taylor, the son of Lewis E. and Jessie (Muse) Taylor, passed away at his home on Friday, December 27, 2024.

Denny proudly served his country during World War II, a member of the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division. He was presented the Purple Heart, for his wounds incurred during the Battle of the Bulge. He was also awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, a Combat Infantry Badge, a Good Conduct Medal, and a Victory Medal.

Denny went on to create his country music band, The Denny Taylor Trio, later changing it to Denny Taylor and the Muskingum Valley Boys. Denny and his band played on local television and radio stations, becoming the first country music singer to open the Whiz News TV Station in 1953 for ten years every weeknight. He also owned and operated the Denny Taylor Record Shop in Zanesville for thirty-five years, where he made friends with countless people as well as country music legends. Denny sang and performed on stage shows for over fifty years, even performing alongside a lineup that consisted of Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, and Johnny Paycheck. He took immense pride in his musical passion.

Denny was a long-time member of the Chandlersville United Methodist Church, where he recently sang and played the guitar at 100 years old. He taught Sunday School for many years as well.

He is survived by his daughter, Patsy (Chuck) Tom of New Concord; one granddaughter, Terri Tom; one grandson, Scott Tom; three great-grandchildren, Nikki and Zack Herron and Olivia (Travis) Perkins; two great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews and his partner and helper, Carolyn Pritchard of Zanesville.

In addition to his parents, Denny is preceded in death by his wife, Wilda “Billie” (Czigans) Taylor, who passed away in 2000; two brothers, Olin Taylor and Charles Taylor; two sisters, Dorothea (Taylor) Jones and Mabel (Taylor) Jones.

Visitations for Denny will be held from 11 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the Farus Funeral Home of New Concord. A funeral service for Denny will be held at 1 pm following visitations. Pastor Doug Winner will officiate the service. Denny will be reunited with Billie at St. Paul’s Cemetery. Full Military Honors will be provided by the United States Army and the George Selsam Post #1058.

www.farusfh.com