July 15, 1924 - Dec 30, 2012 OKLAHOMA CITY Robert D. Taylor Sr, 88, passed away peacefully on Dec. 30, 2012, at the Integris Hospice House in OKC after battling Alzheimer's for several years. Robert was born in Tulsa July 15, 1924, to Felix and Marie Taylor. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, George Ryan Taylor. Robert and Jo Ann met and began dating while in high school in Clinton, OK. After graduating in 1942, Robert worked at Tinker Field before enlisting in the Army Air Corps in 1943. He and Jo Ann were married in May 1944 while Robert was undergoing training at the Army Air Base in Clovis, New Mexico. He was assigned to the 20th Air Force with B-29 bomber unit and stationed on Saipan in the South Pacific until the war ended. Following the war, Robert began working for Nash Finch Co as a grocery wholesaler in the warehouse in Clinton. He advanced upward with them into management duties and ran their produce operation. In 1966, he moved to OKC to manage the produce facilities for Scrivner, Inc. He retired in 1983. Survivors include his faithful wife, Jo Ann; daughter, Patti, of Edmond; three sons: Bruce and wife Debbie, of Yukon; R.D. and wife Jo Dean, of Norman; and Jeff, of Moore. He was also the proud grandfather of five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Viewing will be Tuesday and Wednesday 4-8 p.m., with family to receive friends Wednesday 6-8 p.m., at the funeral home. Services to celebrate his life will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, at Southern Hills United Methodist Church. Friends may leave condolences at www.vondelsmithmortuary.com www.vondelsmithmortuary.com
Published in The Oklahoman on January 1, 2013
