Richard L. Taylor passed away unexpectedly Sunday, April 7, 2024 at Box Butte General Hospital. He was 80 years of age.
He was born in Alliance, NE on May 30, 1943 to Roy and Mildred (Roland) Taylor.
On January 12, 1968, he was united in marriage to Ila M. Sexton at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Alliance.
Everyone who knew Richard knew he always had a story to tell, whether from his days in the Army, driving milk truck for Gilette Dairy, working at Turf Rental, or keeping the machines running at Parker. Some stories were short, some were long, but most of the stories reminded him of another story he had to tell. Richard enjoyed traveling all his life, from Korea while in the Army, to Greece, Germany, Turkey, Italy, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and all through the United States. Whether working or travelling, Richard never knew a stranger. He definitely had a gift of being able to talk to people, even if they didn’t speak the same language. Richard loved to hunt and fish with his son Scott and his grandsons, going to Texas to hunt pigs, Colorado to hunt elk, and many deer, antelope, and pheasants closer to home. Through all the stories told over the years, a common thread to many was his family. Richard was always happiest spending time with his wife, Ila, and all his kids and grandchildren. He even loved his dog, Ace.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ila, his children, Kimberly (Kelly) McLean, Scott (Leah) Taylor all of Alliance and Kandace (Jim) Olson of Ashby and his grandchildren, Brandon (Christal) Jones, Cameron Jones, Kobee Olson and Kade Olson. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Bonnie Thayer of Fremont, Merle Taylor of Germany, Fran Synoground of Minatare, Dorothy Lunbery of Alliance, Sheryl Taylor of Alliance, Gary Taylor of Amarillo, TX, Aaron Taylor of Tacoma, WA and Kathy Hansen of Alliance and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 3 sisters.
Memorial services will be Tuesday, April 16 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s United Lutheran Church with Reverend Megan Morrow officiating. Interment will be in the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to St. John’s United Lutheran Church.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.