Gary E. Taylor

Gary E. Taylor,  the youngest of eight children born to Lloyd and Helen Taylor on September 2, 1939, peacefully passed away on December 28, 2023. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Cheryl and siblings Paul, Carl, Ford, and Joseph.  He is survived by his son Glenn, daughter Cindy, stepsons Leonard and Ben, brother Glen, sisters Janny and Joyce,10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Gary leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and compassion.

A proud Valedictorian of the Jefferson Union High School Class of 1957, Gary's academic achievements were apparent in his everyday life with his wealth of knowledge about seemingly everything. He was particularly knowledgeable on most of the stats of football teams, players and games.  He had a great passion for football which was no surprise, given that he played throughout his childhood and up to his senior year. His favorite college team was the Ohio State Buckeyes and he loved cheering them on.  

Gary's love for family was boundless. He was so proud  of all of his family and loved nothing more than being in their presence.  His last years were spent on his porch chatting with family and friends while smoking his pipe and telling many stories.  

Gary's hobbies included spending time gardening and he had a green thumb matched by no one.  He enjoyed watching hummingbirds in his garden and seemed to have a knack for getting them to fly close to him. He also had an artistic flair which was evident by his own special style of drawing. He had an appreciation for aviation and loved watching airplanes and identifying them from below.  He was able to visit the Dayton Air Force museum recently and see one of the planes his own son flew while in the Air Force, and this brought him great joy. 

A man of great empathy, Gary had great conviction for the underdog and spent his life helping labor unions and those less fortunate than himself.  Steadfast in his political views, he wanted to leave this world a better place.  He was also a proud member of the Masons and attended a Masonic Lodge for many years.

Gary leaves behind a big absence that cannot and will not be filled.  His family and friends will miss him beyond comprehension.

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