John Ralph Taggart

John Ralph "J.R." Taggart, age 86 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., died Monday, September 19, 2016, at his home after a brief battle with cancer. J.R. was born on July 17, 1930 in Jefferson City, the son of Ralph Quincy and Margaret Melinda Binkley Taggart. J. R. was a 1949 graduate of Jefferson City High School. After high school, he served in the United States Army from 1950 until 1952 during the Korean Conflict. He was united in marriage on October 4, 1950 in Camp Rucker, Alabama to Betty Jean Keller Taggart, who preceded him in death August 30, 1972. J.R. and Betty welcomed three sons into the world: Michael Keller Taggart, Charles Patrick Taggart, and Christopher Alan Taggart. J.R. was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Johns Taggart on October 2, 1976 and had a step-daughter, Angela DeBroeck and a step-son, Larry Deckard. J.R. was a lifelong electrician for 40 years prior to his retirement in 1992. He worked for Howerton Electric as well as his own business, Taggart Electric. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 257 for 64 years until his passing. He was a member of the American Legion Roscoe Enloe Post 5 and enjoyed attending his military reunions with the 816th Field Artillery Regiment. He was a longtime member of the United Sportsman's Club. J.R. enjoyed spending time with his family and attending Jefferson City Jay Football games. Family was the most important thing to J.R. and this usually meant trout fishing with his family at Bennett Springs or deer hunting in Macon County, Missouri. J.R. loved telling stories and never met a stranger. J.R. is survived by his wife of 40 years, Barbara Ann Taggart of the home; three sons, Michael Taggart of Holts Summit, Pat Taggart and his wife Becky of Springfield, Chris Taggart and his wife Sherry of Jefferson City; step-daughter, Angela DeBroeck and her husband Chris of Jefferson City; step-son, Larry Deckard of Dixon; seven grandchildren, Jake Taggart and his wife Tiffany, Luke Taggart, James DeBroeck and his wife Erin, Jessica Taggart, Lindsey Taggart and her husband Michael McDaniel, Sam Taggart and his girlfriend Catherine Barron, and Reagan Taggart; and seven great-grandchildren. J.R. was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Ralph Taggart; first wife, Betty Jean Taggart; and his sister, Helen Lucille Hahn Link. Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 24, 2016. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 noon, Saturday, September 24, 2016 in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Jake Taggart officiating, with military honors immediately following the service. Private graveside services and interment will be conducted at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Jefferson City Jay Football Foundation or the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com