JACKSON, Mo. -- Funeral for Thurston T. Taggart of Chester, Ill., was held Saturday at Welge-Pechacek Funeral Home in Chester. The Rev. Martin Springer officiated. Burial was in New Palestine Cemetery in New Palestine, Ill.

Taggart, 83, died Wednesday, April 10, 2002, at Memorial Hospital in Chester.

He was born May 23, 1918, in New Palestine, son of Francis V. and Bessie Harmon Taggart. He and Jeanne Jany were married June 3, 1949, at Chester.

Taggart was a textiles manufacturing plant manager from 1948 to 1993. He lived in Jackson, Mo., about 20 years and was assistant manager of Jackson Hosiery Mill until it closed. He had been chairman of Community Chest, member of Jackson school board and member of SEMO Industrial Board.

He was a member, elder, deacon and trustee of Mars Hills Presbyterian Church in Athens, Tenn. He also was a member and past president of the Rotary Club.

Taggart was a captain in the U.S. Army during World War II, and served in North Africa and Italy. He received a Bronze Star.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Jill Claybour of St. Louis, Susan Morris of Pacific, Mo.; two sisters, Jessie Jones and Alice Eggemeyer of Chester; and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister.