Obituary of Donald Wayne Taylor
Donald Wayne Taylor
(February 19th, 1939 - February 14th, 2019)
Donald W. Taylor “Don”, age 79, passed away Thursday, February 14th, 2019 in Coppell, TX. Don passed peacefully in his home Thursday morning, just five days shy of his 80th birthday. His last moments were spent with family – exchanging grateful words, sweet memories, and tearful goodbyes. Don lived his life with true grit. He wasn’t one to complain and though he rarely spoke of it, he battled cancer for almost three decades.
Growing up in Boonville, MO, Don spent many days milking cows, feeding hogs and chickens, and working the fields to help his parents manage the family farm. It was hard work but Don and his family had a lot of fun and shared many good memories on the farm. Don graduated valedictorian at Pilot Grove High school in 1957 and was the first member of his family to attend college. He graduated from the University of Missouri in 1962 with an accounting degree. Upon graduation, he moved to Phoenix to begin his career as a CPA with Arthur Anderson. He served in the Arizona Air National Guard for 6 years and got the opportunity to fly in an Airforce cargo plane to Germany. For the majority of his career, Don worked as a controller in the agriculture and cattle industry – tying him back to his farm roots. After he retired in 2005, he moved to Sunland Springs Village in Mesa, AZ and served as the president of his homeowner’s association for 9 years where he met so many wonderful friends.
Despite living in the hot Arizona desert, Don was a passionate and innovative gardener and found ways to grow a wide array of fruits and vegetables in his yard with tomatoes being his pride and joy. While having a strong work ethic, Don always found time for family, road trips and spending time outdoors – hiking, fishing, and snow skiing. Every winter, Don would wake up before the crack of dawn to drive his kids up the mountains to go skiing. They never missed a ski season and created so many good memories. Don found many adventures driving cross country to visit friends and family. Many times he traveled and shared the adventures with grandson, Jack with whom he had a special bond.
Of all his past-times, Don’s favorite was dancing. He was a member of the Greater Phoenix Swing Dance Club for over 15 years and danced five to six nights a week. Don became a master of the Progressive Two-Step, Arizona Two-Step and West Coast Swing, making many new friends along the way and having the time of his life.
Don was a devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Marie Taylor and his son, Mark Taylor. Survived by sister and brother-in-law; Claudette and John Minnis, daughters; Donna and Anna Taylor, grandchildren; Jeffrey, Katie, Allison and Regan Kennedy, and Jack Taylor, nephew; Thad Roe, and niece; Debbie Thomas. Don will be greatly missed by friends and family.
A memorial service to celebrate Don’s life will be held in Mesa, AZ at a future date. Don’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and staff of Ardent Hospice for providing comfort and peace during this difficult time.