CRESCO – Patrick “Pat” Taylor, a long-time Osage and Cresco barber whose shop became a familiar gathering place for generations of customers, died unexpectedly on May 6, 2026, at Regional Health Services of Howard County in Cresco. He was 87.
Taylor was born September 9, 1938, in rural Bonair to Albert C. Taylor and Evaline Schmauss Taylor. He graduated from Cresco High School in 1956, where he competed in football and wrestling.
After high school, Taylor worked as a carpenter before attending Waterloo Barber College. He first barbered in Osage for about a year, then returned to Cresco and opened Taylor’s Barber Shop on 1st Avenue in 1961.
For decades, Taylor’s shop was more than a place to get a haircut. It was a neighborhood stop where conversation, stories and friendships were part of the routine. He continued cutting hair until selling the shop in 1997, but retirement did not last long. He later reopened Taylor’s Barber Shop on 2nd Avenue, returning to the social atmosphere he enjoyed.
Taylor finally put away his clippers in 2015, when he was 75.
Away from the barber chair, Taylor enjoyed fishing, playing cards, riding motorcycles and scooters, and playing solitaire on the computer. He was also known for keeping a close eye on his lawn during the summer months.
Taylor was married to Constance Helming on October 9, 1960. Their marriage lasted 64 years.
He is survived by his daughter, Lori Puffett, and her husband, Bill, of Mitchellville; his son, Eric Taylor, and his wife, Sara, of Overland Park, Kansas; grandchildren David Puffett, Derek Puffett and Jessica Taylor; a great-granddaughter, Emersyn Puffett; his brother, Tom Taylor, and his wife, Doris, of Versailles, Kentucky; his sister, Elenor Wubben, of Clear Lake; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Constance; his mother, Evaline, and stepfather, Ray Fulcher; his father, Albert Taylor; his brother, Rod Taylor, and Rod’s wife, Elinor; his sister, Betty Shea, and Betty’s husband, Ken; an infant sister, Shirley; and brother-in-law Jerry Wubben.
A visitation for Patrick A. Taylor will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on June 19, 2026, at Schmelzer Funeral Home in Cresco. The family asks that memorial donations be made to a charity of the donor’s choice in the Cresco area.
Lindstrom Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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