Photo courtesy of Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin
Ballwin, Missouri
Jan 29, 1931 – Oct 23, 2025
Taylor, Gordon "Tom", Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep, in his longtime family home at ‘’Taylor’s Old Fields’’, Thursday, October 23, 2025, 94 years and 10 months young. Beloved husband of the late Elizabeth ‘’Betty’’ Taylor (née Mueller); dearest father of Charles "Chuck" (Debra Jackson) Taylor, Thomas "Steve" Taylor and the late Jamie Susan Taylor (Dr. Vincent the 3rd) Sollecito and ; dear grandfather of Kristen (Brett) Nelson, Jason Thomas Taylor, Stephanie Sollecito and Cory (Jake) Neusche; great-grandfather of Caitlin Nelson, Dominic Nelson, Hollie Genovese, Taylor Jai and Luke Neusche; brother of James Shaw; brother-in-law of the late Donald (survived by Jackie Love) Mueller; loved by many, friend to all and from his earliest days spent the summers on his Grandpa’s farm where he became a horseback rider extraordinaire. After high school he joined the U.S. Navy and honorably served 3 years and 9 months of his 4 year tour at sea and in the early 1960’s became a prominent member of the Ozark Ridge Riders, ‘’cutting’’ and riding epic trails all over Missouri until he was 90…he is an inspiration, he will be remembered, he will be missed…
Services: Services private. In lieu of flowers, please say a prayer for Tom and remember the good times. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. He had a wonderful life. Love to his family.
Dianna Walters
October 28, 2025 | Saint Louis, MO | Friend
Tom loved to ride. For every horseback ride, he was always mounted first and waiting for us slow pokes. Ride on Tom, ride on!
Jack Corrigan
October 28, 2025 | High Ridge, MO | Friend
Tom, you have been so missed on all the trails, at all the horse camps and Ozark Ridge Rider events! I loved when you shared tales of your youth, growing up riding and then some years of "train-hopping" cross country with a friend or 2 if I remember correctly! You are a great teller of tales and so fun to listen and talk to. We will continue to honor your memory in all our days, whether on trails, camping, or every day here at "home camp" of the St Louis area. God bless you and your family!
Michele Mendyk
October 28, 2025 | Fenton, MO | Friend
Tom was a great man and friend.He will be greatly missed.
Bob Ohmart
October 28, 2025 | Ballwin, MO | Friend
Thanks for all your years of service with The Ozark Ridge Riders. May you find a perfect steed, in Heaven. Ride on ! My sympathies to those you left here, Debbie Quarternik Ozark Ridge Riders Vice President
Debbie Quarternik
October 28, 2025 | Wildwood, MO, MO | Friend
I will miss your wonderful smile and stories. I have great memories of him with the Ozark Ridge Riders. Many happy trails dear friend. With love.
Carolyn Surgant
October 27, 2025 | Eugene, MO | Friend
My heart reaches out to Chuck and family. May the Holy Spirit guide you throughout this difficult time. Tom was a great friend and thanks to Chuck. We hooked up again on the phone. Maytime rest in peace and be joined by Betty and Jamie and the rest of his family that are riding those horses in heaven.
Jim Gosnell
October 27, 2025 | Cadiz, KY | Friend
A larger than life man, always enjoyed his presence
Daniel Ferguson
October 27, 2025 | Las Vegas, NV | Friend
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Carlene Fullerton
October 26, 2025 | Webster Groves, MO | Teacher
