O. C. Mike Taylor

Dr. O. C. Mike Taylor passed away surrounded by friends and family on Wednesday afternoon, May 15, 2013 at a Fort Worth hospital after suffering a stroke late Tuesday night. Services - A memorial service will be held on Saturday morning, May 18th at 11:00 a.m. at the United Presbyterian Church in Cleburne, Texas. A private burial at a later date will follow. Doc as he was affectionately known by family, friends and colleagues was born on January 4, 1932 in Stanton, Texas to Orbie and Dorothy Anderson Taylor. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend and educator. He enjoyed golf, snow skiing, and ranching in his younger years. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling and great meals with friends and family, and gardening. Dr. Taylor, a self-made man, graduated from Itasca High School. After serving in the army he put himself through college on scholarships eventually earning his PhD in Education from University of North Texas in Denton. He served as Superintendent of Schools in Grapevine - Colleyville ISD and retired as the Superintendent of Beaumont ISD in 1989 after dedicating his life to education. He touched the lives of many students throughout Texas and served as inspirational leader among his peers during his service as a school superintendent. Dr. Taylor was elected to serve as president of the Texas Association of School Administrators. After retirement he served as an adjunct professor for Tarleton State University and was elected to serve on the board of directors of the Education Service Center for Region XI where he served as Chairman of the Board for over 10 years. His philosophy of empowering everyone he touched to be a lifelong learner continued until the day he died. He was an avid reader with an overflowing library and was generous to share his books with anyone interested in reading. His generosity was felt by many whose lives he touched. Doc will be missed by all those whose lives he blessed throughout his lifetime. He survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Patricia Taylor of Cleburne, his daughters, Sherry Taylor of Arlington and Holly Hancock of Beaumont, two grandchildren, Chase Taylor Smith of Denton and Baleigh Hancock of Beaumont, and special friends, Ray and Rhonda Crass of Cleburne. Other family members include two sisters Betty Malone of Richardson and Joanne Ferris of Tennessee, one sister in law, Linda Still of Denham Springs, Louisiana and husband Mike, brother in laws Jim Cobb of Hurst, Robert Cobb of Magnolia and wife Anne, Terry Cobb of Beaumont and wife, Charlene, Wayne Cobb of Kenniwick, Washington and wife, Joan, Carroll Cobb of Las Vegas, Nevada and Larry Cobb of Nederland and wife, Martha and host of nieces, nephews and friends. In leiu of flowers the family asked that donations be made to the United Presbyterian Church, 1510 W. Westhill, Cleburne, Texas 76033,; Presbyterian Children's Home, Itasca, Texas or the American Cancer Society. You may view the obituary online at www.rosserfuneralhome.net or follow us on Facebook. Rosser Funeral Home 817-641-4800 1664 W. Henderson Street Cleburne, Texas 76033