Robert (Bob) L. Taylor, 83, passed peacefully Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at The Windsor of Lawrence. A Celebration of Life service will be 10 am, Saturday, June 1, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church. A private burial was previously conducted in the green section of Oak Hill Cemetery.
Bob was born Jan. 30, 1930, in Willis, Kan., the son of C.W. and Bessie Tinsley Taylor. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He earned his Bachelor’s degree at Washburn University, and his Master’s and additional Doctoral coursework at Kansas University.
Mr. Taylor spent his entire career with Lawrence School District 497, initially as principal at Pinckney Elementary, later as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and finally as Assistant Superintendent until his retirement in 1995 after 35 years of service. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, along with numerous civic and professional organizations. He enjoyed traveling, reading, and yard work. Bob had a passion all his life for dogs and rarely didn’t have one in the home.
He married Fern Wolff in 1951 in Everest, Kan. They divorced in 1978. He married Romaine Douglas on Aug. 28, 1978, in Valley Falls. She survives of the home. Other survivors include a son, Kent Taylor and wife Cheryl, Lawrence; a daughter, Susan Grier and husband John, Chula Vista, Calif.; a step daughter, Claire Oxtoby and husband David, Claremont, Calif; seven grandchildren, three step grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and one sister.
The family suggests memorials to Friends of the Lawrence Public Library, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
Dear Romaine,
I love you. My heart is broken and sad at the loss of Bob. You and Bob were my first connection with TLC. The best gift in the world. May you be comforted by your family and friends with much love at this time.
There are never the right words to say, but please know my loving thoughts and hugs are with you. Your friend, Jane
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Taylor family and wish nothing but peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Retired Nurse Friend from USD 497. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Romaine, I was so sorry to hear about Bob’s death. He was always so pleasant when I would see him. I miss the days we were teachers together at Quail Run. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Hi Romaine,
I feel like I have lost a family member. Bob had a way of making everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. I will always remember how the two of you were like honeymooners every time I saw you! I won’t forget our bridge nights (and how Bob threw caution to the wind when bidding), dancing at the Grange Hall in Leavenworth County and going to the trunk of our car for the intermission refreshment break, breakfasts together at the Paradise Cafe and later Miltons, a hayride, and both of you being with Roger and I on the first day we moved into our house.
When thinking about how much I treasure those days, I can’t begin to imagine what it must be like for you. I am praying that the long transition Bob has had from this life to the next will gain him a special place in heaven. I am sad, but thankful that I had the opportunity to know this special man.
Hugs,
Carolyn
Dear Romaine,
I was so saddened to read the announcement of Bob’s death. I know you have been through a very long journey with him. I loved working for, and with, Bob. He would always ask two questions during meetings: Is this good for kids? and . . . Is this good for teachers? If either answer was “no” then we had nothing more to talk about! I hope you find peace – enjoy life!