Antoneo DeVaughn Taylor

Antoneo DeVaughn “Tony” Taylor was born on January 1, 1989, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Anthony Eugene Taylor and lovingly raised by Temeikia Charsnel "Tammy" Buckner and his dad, Edward Buckner. He spent his early years growing up in Kansas City before his family relocated to Blue Springs, Missouri. Tony accepted Christ into his life at an early age. More recently, he rededicated his life to Christ, reaffirming his faith and openly professing Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Tony attended Blue Springs South High School, where he excelled as a student and a standout athlete. He graduated in 2007 following an exceptional high school football career marked by numerous accomplishments and accolades. Among his proudest achievements were receiving the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award as a dominant defensive lineman and earning a State Championship ring during his undefeated senior season in 2007. Tony’s strength, determination, and passion for the game made him a force on the football field. His accomplishments at Blue Springs South were more than statistics and awards—they reflected his hard work, discipline, and competitive spirit. They left a lasting mark at Blue Springs South, where his accomplishments remain part of the school's football legacy.

After high school, Tony continued his education, studying Business and Accounting at Northwest Missouri State University and Fort Scott Community College. He later earned an Associate Degree in Stationary Engineering from Blue River Metropolitan Community College and obtained multiple professional certifications, including HVAC and refrigeration.

But a degree or certification could never fully capture Tony's gifts.

Tony was truly a master of all trades and a stranger to none. There wasn't much he couldn't figure out, repair, build, grow, or make better. He could fix a leaky pipe, rewire a ceiling fan, tune an engine, and then turn around and give you the best advice on growing tomatoes, peppers, and sunflowers—all in a single afternoon. Being a proud homeowner, Tony had a gift for working with his hands and an even greater confidence that almost anything could be figured out. If something was broken, Tony didn't simply see a problem. He saw an opportunity to rebuild it.

He was also an avid gardener who found joy in planting, growing, and watching the fruits of his labor come to life. His love of gardening will continue through a community garden established in his honor—a living tribute where seeds will be planted, roots will grow, and new life will continue to bloom.

Just as Tony knew how to repair, rebuild, plant, and nurture, his life planted seeds in the hearts of everyone who loved him. Those seeds—his lessons, his contagious laughter, his knowledge, his strength, his playful sense of humor, and the love he gave so freely—will continue to grow for generations to come.

Tony planted more than gardens. He planted memories, laughter, wisdom, and love—and those are seeds that will never stop growing.

Tony was blessed to have the love and guidance of two fathers, both of whom preceded him in death: his biological father, Anthony Eugene Taylor, and his dad, Edward DalAnthony Buckner. He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Edgar Lee Williams; his paternal grandmother, Betty Taylor, uncles, Larry Taylor and Arthur Taylor; cousin Craig Taylor; and his grandfather, Edward Buckner Sr.

Tony leaves to cherish his memory: his loving mother, Tammy Buckner; brothers: Edward Captain, Angelo Taylor, and Xavier Buckner; and his sister, Quincy Buckner.

He is also survived by: his grandmothers, Claudia Daniels and June Buckner; his paternal grandfather, John Taylor Sr. (Linda); his aunts, Angela Taylor and Tracey Williams; his uncles, John Taylor Jr. and Traune Williams; two nephews he enjoyed spending time with, Quentin Isaiah-King Buckner and Cashel Demetrius-King Buckner; a neice, Ra Captain and a host of cousins, extended family members, friends, and loved ones who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

Planting Seeds in Tony’s Memory

In honor of Tony’s love for gardening and the joy he found in watching things grow, a Community Garden will be established in his memory. This garden will serve as a living tribute to Tony—a place where seeds are planted, roots grow deep, and life continues to bloom. Just as Tony believed that things could be repaired and rebuilt, this garden will allow his legacy to continue growing for generations to come.