Lawrence Edward Taylor

1921 - 2010

BORN

1921

DIED

2010

Lawrence Taylor Obituary

Lawrence Edward Taylor July 25, 1921 - October 26, 2010 Our loving and kind father passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a sudden stroke. He was born on July 25, 1921, in Ogden, Utah to Eldred Orson Taylor and Julia Maddock. He married his sweetheart Bettie Jean Neville on Nov. 1, 1948 in the Manti Temple. Lawrence loved his family very much and was sad to leave them, but was eager to get back to the "Queen of his Castle" who passed away four years ago. Lawrence was an accountant by profession since 1949 and although he "retired", he worked until 2008 when he was 87 years old. He had also been CEO of Douglass Manufacturing. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club for 35 years and one of its past Presidents. He also served as President of Kern Society of Public Accountants. Dad was a kind and gentle soul. He influenced the lives of countless people through his example, integrity, and his desire to serve others to make their day a little better. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tell jokes. He loved to dance with mom, do woodworking and photography. He loved his country, served in the Navy during WWII on the USS Pine Island, and was known by many as "The Great American Patriot". Lawrence loved the Lord and was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings including Bishop for 13 years and in the Stake Presidency for 9 years. He went on a mission to New York and Pennsylvania from 1942-1944 and served in the Los Angeles Temple for 20 years (April 1988 to August 2008) Lawrence was a very devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend whose presence in this world will be missed by all. He is survived by his four children: Linda Carlson and husband Rick of Sandy, UT, Michael Taylor and his wife Abby of Bakersfield, CA, Bill Taylor and wife Deborah of Midland, TX, and Diana Fischer and husband Gregg of Bakersfield, CA; 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bettie; his parents, Eldred and Julia; brothers, Wayne (Margaret) and Glen (Mary); and many cherished friends. We would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Memorial Hospital and Optimal Hospice for their loving care. Services will be held on Saturday, October 30, 11:00 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5600 Panorama Drive. Visitation will be held from 5 - 8 p.m., Friday, October 29, at Alma Funeral Home, 2130 East California Ave. and 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park. www.bakersfield.com/obits

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Published by Bakersfield Californian from Oct. 28 to Oct. 29, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Taylor

13 Entries

Richard Munn

November 10, 2010

Dear Taylor Family. My mother told me about the passing of your father. Wow! What a great man. He taught me the love of good books. If I remember correctly he had quite a collection. He and my father both were navy men and loved reading good books. I have quite the collection of my own. As we all know crossing over to the other side is an inevitable, beautiful, spiritual event. Imagine the home coming that took place. I have been to many funerals but none compare to the LDS service. The spirit is so strong. May you all have comfort that only the Holy Spirit can provide and memories that sustain you until we all meet again on the other side.

Thomas Hendrick

November 1, 2010

I feel really bad...as soon as I heard about this from a friend, Reggie Slaughter. I thought and said to Reggie, Lawrence??, Lawrence Taylor??, telling him a little of a story. Well as Mom said, and as I now can see, the Lawrence Taylor was the one and the same Lawrence Taylor, as I feared. I haven't ever seen him again since then...1983...I have wanted, or thought, that I would, or could catch up with him and let him know that I have allways remembered and thought of that last day I met him.

Condolence,
Thomas Gude Hendrick

Bev (Cornett) Burdett

October 30, 2010

Linda, Mike, Bill, Diana -- Your dad was the first bishop I ever knew. In fact, before I joined the church I never knew he ever wouldn't be bishop! And then he was in the stake presidency for the rest of my growing up years in Bakersfield. He was a major influence in my life and on my testimony, and he will always be very special to me, as will all of you. How comforting to have a sure knowledge of the plan of salvation at this time. Can't wait to see him again!

Mary Kay Taylor Belnap

October 30, 2010

I used to babysit for Aunt Bettie and Uncle Lawrence. I remember him taking me home after a late night and having him nod off at the wheel. We always made it home safely, but it sure kept me awake.
I loved hearing him sing with his brothers, my Dad, Wayne and Uncle Glen and George Gabbatis with my Grandmother Taylor playing the piano. I also remember many times he'd get on his "soapbox" about some political subject. He loved this country with a passion.
I loved him and Aunt Bettie. They were always so fun to be around and were so good to everyone. I feel such a void now that all three of these great Taylor brothers are gone. What a great reunion they are having.

October 30, 2010

I'm remembering those faithful Bakersfield Latter-Day Saints of our parents generation, such as your mom and dad, who lived righteous lives and set the example for us to follow. Good men and women of God who each contributed in their own special way to building up the kingdom here in Bakersfield. We are so grateful for them and their families who continue to bless our lives.

Kathleen Jordan Sealy

Bill & Millie Glazier

October 29, 2010

What a wonderful friend and outstanding example to all of us who knew him. He taught us that to "be of good cheer" was a way of life, and even being in positions of authority you can still be happy and have a good time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lawrence and Betttie as they are now back together throughout the Eternities. We know this to be true.
Each of his family can feel secure in knowing of his love for everyone of them. We had discovered with both Lawrence and E. Wayne that we are relatives from the Bunkerville and Mesquite, Nevada era of Church History.

October 29, 2010

I knew Brother Taylor only through his son Bill. I can see that many of the attributes that he had were passed on to his son. Love Bill and Deborah and they never cease serving all of us in our ward and in the community. May the Lord bless all of you. Dorothy

Sue Phelps Coulter

October 29, 2010

So blessed to have had the open arms of love and kindness of Lawrence and his wife Bettie. They truly were the nicest people. Grateful to have been the recipient of many lessons taught by him.
Sue Phelps Coulter

Dennie Butterfield

October 29, 2010

Linda, Mike, Bill and Diana - We had always thought that your Dad would live forever - BUT - he will live forever in the hearts and minds of all those who knew and loved him so deeply. His greatness was always observed by others in the life he led, the example he always set and maintained, and his amazing leadership abilities. One of the great blessings of our lives was to sit at his feet and learn from his wisdom and capacity for love. I was fortunate to serve as his Ward Clerk and scoutmaster for many years, while Fay was his Relief Society President also for many years. We learned from his heart and love for all. One of our fondest memories was being Bakersfield three years ago and taking your Dad to the Mexicali, with the Guiterrez family, for a wonderful evening and dinner. I was able to tell him then of our love and appreciation for all he taught us over a 22 year period. It is only fitting that his funeral will be held in the "House That Bishop Taylor Built!" Which he did hour after hour, day after day, week after month and month after month he was always there supervising and leading. His loss will be felt by all the Saints in Bakersfield. The sadness for you as his children will pass, but the love will always remain with the special memories you each hold in your heart and will always be eternal. We will be together again in the next step toward eternity. Our love and blessings to each of you and your families. Fay and Dennie Butterfield.

Connie Randall

October 28, 2010

So grateful to have been one of the many families who were blessed by his life. We were all changed for the better for knowing him.

Robert Harmon

October 28, 2010

A very good person. Lawrence was my first home
teacher when I was a new member of the
church in 1968. As a good home teacher,
he took the time to be with me on my
first trip to do my work at the LA Temple. HAPPY LAWRENCE IS WITH BETTY.

Rinez & Doug Campbell

October 28, 2010

Oh, how we loved your dad! We will miss his wisdom, his teachings, his sense of humor, his testimony, his patience, his leadership, his stories, his smile, his laugh! We rejoice in the knowledge that he is with Bettie, the love of his life. We pray for peace and comfort to surround all of you family members. Our love to all of you wonderful Taylors!

October 28, 2010

Quite a wonderful man. I used to baby sit for Lawrence and Betty when the two older children were very young. They both always set such a good example for me. When Lawrence was bishop, he performed the marriage ceremony for my husband and me, later a witness for us at the LA Temple. Worked at the temple with them for 4 years. Loved them both so very much. The children, grandchildren, etc. will miss Lawrence, but he is happy to be with
his queen. Will miss him at the "lunch bunch" at Wendy's! Barbara Pedersen

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