Donald K. Taylor

Donald K. Taylor, 89, of Avon Park, FL passed away November 7th, 2017 at Florida Hospital Tampa.

Don was born July 26th, 1928, in Arkansas City, KS to Delmar D and Zetta Mae (Williams) Taylor. He was raised on their Kay County Oklahoma farm and graduated from Newkirk (Oklahoma) High School. He enlisted in the Army in August of 1946 and served his country as a Military MP in Korea until he was honorably discharged in January of 1948. After being discharged from the Army, Don attended the National Institute of Dry Cleaners in Maryland and went on to own and operate ABC Cleaners in McPherson, KS for a number of years.

In 1955, Don married Carol Johnston and the two celebrated their 62nd anniversary last January. Don and Carol moved to Lawrence in 1956 where Don began work at the DuPont plant in nearby Tecumseh, KS. In his many roles there he contributed to a variety of departments until he fully retired in 1991. While at DuPont, Don also enjoyed a part-time job at Anderson Rentals in Lawrence where he was able to utilize his inherent mechanical abilities.

In 1977 Don and Carol built a home at Lone Star Lake, south of Lawrence where they set up residence while not out on the road in their RV exploring the United States. Don and Carol relocated to Wauchula, Florida in 1996 and eventually to Avon Park. Don loved Florida for its beaches, warm weather and fresh oranges. Don was also an avid enthusiast of live Bluegrass and Country music, Western Novels, Professional Bull Riding, and the local KU / KC Sports teams. He passionately supported his Church, the American Legion, the Wounded Warrior Project, and several Christian charities.

Above all, Don valued the time spent with his family including his many brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews – and especially watching his children, grand-children and great grand-children grow.

In addition to his parents, Don is preceded in death by his grandson Clifton James, sisters Ruby, Mabel and Opal Mae and brothers Harold, Dale and Ray. Survivors include his wife Carol Taylor; brother Roy Taylor, KS and sister Alice Faye Mochel, CA; children Mitchell Taylor and his wife Mona, Casper, WY; Teresa Latimer and husband Darren, St. Peters, MO; Gregory Taylor, Gardner, KS and Bradley Taylor and wife Emily, Lawrence, KS. Don is also survived by five grandchildren and their spouses: Kelly Krauss and husband Nathan, Brian Stevens and wife Amy, Heather Irwin and husband Justin, Zachery Taylor and wife Ashley, Joseph Blake Taylor and Tabbetha Lay; and 12 great-grandchildren: Zach Jr, Raymond, Gabrielle, Xavier, Lexie, Mackenzie, Tristan, Caleb, Devin, Aiden, Liam and Finn.

A viewing will be held Sunday, November 19th from 9 – 10am at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence followed by a Memorial at 10 and internment at Washington Creek Cemetery, 607 E 550 Rd, near Lone Star Lake. Reception to follow at the American Legion Dorsey-Liberty Post 14, 3408 W 6th St, Lawrence.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the National World War II Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA: www.nationalww2museum.org – under Tribute Donation option. Online condolences should be sent to: www.rumsey-yost.com.

Messages & Condolences

From Carolyn and Dave...

Brad,
Best wishes to you during this difficult time.

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