Howard R. Taylor

Howard R. Taylor

died peacefully at St. Vincent Hospice on January 11, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. Howard will be remembered as a humble man who lived the Golden Rule. His generosity, optimism, and service to others enriched the lives of all who knew him. He had an indomitable sense of purpose and responsibility to leave the world a better place. His can-do spirit, along with his smile, humor, and songs lifted everyone in his presence. He never missed an opportunity to tell his children and grandchildren how proud of them he was, and how great they were. He loved sharing that he came from a family of storytellers, and he approached every person he met with genuine interest, believing that everyone had an interesting story to tell.

Howard was born in Falmouth Foreside, Maine to Helen V. Taylor and Neil R. Taylor on November 12,1923. He graduated at the top of his class at Englewood School for Boys (N.J.) and graduated from Yale University in Mechanical Engineering (Tau Beta Pi honor society, Class of 1945W). He was president of the Yale Glee Club and a member of the Whiffenpoofs.

Howard enlisted in the American Field Service during WW II, serving as an ambulance driver in Burma as a part of the Sikh Infantry. He worked for Westinghouse in Buffalo, New York, where he met his wife Jean. He moved his family to Indianapolis in 1954, where he started his first company, H.R Taylor Engineering; he then served as President of Taylor-Newcomb Engineering until his retirement. He was an active member of the Quaker community, serving as Clerk of the Meeting at First Friends Church. He was also an active member of the church choir, and undertook additional roles with the Little Friends program and the Western Yearly Meeting. The First Friends community provided Howard enduring friendships and support. He will always be there in spirit.

Howard was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Jean E. Taylor; and by his brother, Neil R. Taylor of Rising Sun, Maryland. He is survived by his four children, Priscilla Taylor (Adam Garfinkle) of Wheaton, Maryland, John H.R. Taylor (Marcy) of Indianapolis, Indiana, Joseph Taylor (Patt) of Evanston, Illinois, and Helen Taylor (Dean Bolton) of Okemos, Michigan; nine grandchildren, Gabriel Garfinkle, Hannah Margolis, Nathaniel Garfinkle, Lauren Taylor, Chris H.R. Taylor, Caitlin Taylor, Meredith Taylor, Lowell Bolton, Miles Bolton; great-grandchildren Isaiah Garfinkle and Yael Margolis; his brother William Taylor of Waterboro Center, Maine and Sebastian, Florida.

Calling will be held on Sunday, January 18, at 12:30 p.m. at First Friends Church followed by a service of remembrance at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Friends Committee on National Legislation, /fcnl.org/ 245 Second St. NE, Washington D.C. 20002 or to First Friends Church, 3030 Kessler Blvd. E Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46220.

The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the many members of First Friends for being there to help Howard over the years, to the staff of Marquette Manor Assisted Living for their kind and professional support, and to St. Vincent Hospice for their compassionate care. Arrangements are entrusted to Flanner and Buchanan - Broad Ripple.