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Robert Taylor Obituary
Retired Colonel Robert Warren Taylor, 85, of Vacaville, Calif., died Nov. 2, at David Grant Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, after a long battle with cancer.
Robert Warren was born May 2, 1925, to Robert Marshall Taylor and Elsie Bowles Taylor. He was born and raised in Richmond, Va. He served 31 years in the United States Air Force as a pilot, retiring in 1974 to Vacaville. He was united in marriage to Dolores Marie Arnaud for 58 years.
He was a member of the Epiphany Episcopal Church for more than 40 years and the Daedalians Club for all military pilots. Each September for the past 20 years, he participated in the renown Section 3 of the Reno Air Races. He was committed to supporting many children's organizations, wildlife foundations and Veteran's associations and gave regularly. He loved his family. They were a great source of pride. He appreciated nature and enjoyed watching and participating in sports, especially golf and the Oakland A's.
He is one of the last of what Tom Brokaw called, "The Greatest Generation," who put duty to country and family and God above all else.
Robert Warren will be dearly missed by his wife, Dolores; children, Connie Lynne Thyne, Debbie Taylor Shirley, Karen Taylor Gummert, Robert Marshall Taylor II, Matthew Lee Taylor and Christine Taylor Westdyk; sons-in-law, Steve Lauer of Los Angeles, John David Gummert of Reno, Nev., and Robert Westdyk of Vacaville; daughters-in-law, Darice Leanne Taylor of Tuscon, Ariz., and Charlotte Ann Taylor of Vacaville; nephew, Wayne Robert Taylor of Richmond, Va.; 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Robert Warren was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Lee Lauer; brother, Bowlman Gray Grady Taylor; sister-in-law, Jeanette Taylor and son-in-law, Clyde W. Shirley.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, Nov. 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. at McCune Garden Chapel in Vacaville. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, Nov. 8, 1 p.m. at Epiphany Episcopal Church on West Street in Vacaville. Reverend Stephen Leonetti and life-long friend Chaplain Richard Swanson will be officiating. The burial will be private. Contributions can be made to the Episcopal Epiphany Church, 300 West Street, Vacaville Calif., 95688.
Arrangements are under the direction of McCune Garden Chapel, 448-6546. www.mccunechapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Taylor
Mark Lonczak
December 3, 2010
To Rusty Taylor and family,
Today I heard the sad news of Col. Taylors passing. My Mom and Dad, Col Walter and Rosemary Lonczak were life long friends of Bob & Rusty. I once asked Bob how long he and dad knew each other - his responce - in his wonderful polite southern drawl was "Walter wasn't that just before the earth's crust cooled?" I have many great childhood memories of family visits to the vine street Taylor home. I got my first stitches after one of those wonderful visits! Bob & Rusty both provided immence support for our family in Arlington for my Dad's memorial service, and again in Sacramento for my Mom's. I feel sad that I was unaware of and not able to attend Bob's service. I am sure that Mom, Dad, & Bob are together and enjoying the fruits of their exemplary lives spent here on earth. To Rusty and the Taylor family - my heartfelt condolences go out to you all. I will always have very fond memories of Col. Robert Taylor.
November 13, 2010
I served under Col.Taylor in the 86th MAS when I returned from Viet-Nam in June 1968. He wrote my Efficiency Reports for 2 years that led to me being promoted to Lt. Colonel. I have visited his grave several times since he passed away. He was the one who called me at 630AM I lived at 102 Norton in base housing to tell me that I was on the promotion list for LtCol. I am honored that I got to serve under him for two years. I am now 80 years old (Nov 4th 2010) and when I do pass away I will be buried next to my Mom who was buried in the Vaca-Elmira cementary in May 1984.
Melissa Dvorak
November 10, 2010
Grandpa, I am so sorry I didn't know what happened and feel so horrible that I wasn't able to come out to say goodbye. You know I love you. You always loved me even when I wasn't acting right. I think I've come a long way since then. Thank you for loving my son. Thank you for recognizing him as one of your "greats" because that's a very, very special place to be...under the wing of Robert Taylor...or Grandpa as I will always very fondly remember you. I will remember your Godliness, your calm, gentleness and your big, booming voice that would wrap itself around me like a hug, even over the phone, no matter where I was. I will remember your stories that I could listen to forever. You always knew what to say. I will remember the times I spent in Vacaville with you and Grandma and that it probably meant more to me than to you that you liked that little stained glass parrot I gave you. I will remember the deep admiration and respect I have for you and the way you loved your family and the way you held Grandma Rusty in such high esteem. You seemed to have enough love for everyone, and then some left over. I need you to know that I thought you were amazing and wonderful and there are so many people around that you touched to prove it. I am so sorry that I couldn't be there to wish you a safe trip home to heaven. Love always and forever, Melissa
Robin Chavez
November 8, 2010
My support and love is going out to the Taylor Family at this time. Col.Taylor was one of my favorite "Dad's" growing up and I cherish all my memories growing up around the Taylor Household. What a beautiful Family and I will miss Col.Taylor very much. God Bless you all.
John Maunder
November 8, 2010
Dear Taylor Family,
I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. My earliest memory of Col. Taylor is from 1968 when he supported the Little League Braves with his enthusiastic vocal style. I will always have the fond memories of how the Col. welcomed everyone to the home on Vine Street where so many hours of good old-fashioned fun were had by all! I'm sorry I won't be able to be there for his send off.
McCune Garden Chapel Funeral Home
November 6, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Tom and Julie Wood
November 8, 2010
Dear Taylor Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences. The Col. (aka Bob)was a good friend and neighbor and he will truly be missed. Rest in peace.
Cathy (Maunder) Santopadre
November 7, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of sorrow.
Debi Kielly
November 7, 2010
Col. Taylor,
You were a wonderful man and one of my favorite Dental patients! You will never be forgotten.
November 7, 2010
"Rusty"; My deepest condolences to you and the Family. What a legacy you and Robert are leaving behind. I always say that "I had Cousins by the dozens". He was certainly my favorite cousin. We did so much together as children.
Then he, Keith and I went off to WW-II. I remember when he brought you by our home to get De De's and my approval of you. You were so beautiful and Robert was so happy. I knew his mind was already made up. In WW-II, I had the nick name of "General" Lee. Love, "Cousin" John. Capt. John B. "General" Lee, Houston, TX
Harry Lee
November 7, 2010
Hello Cousin, AKA Col.
This is your cousin Harry. One of the three Lee brothers that enjoyed your visits to our farm back in the '40s. You, John, & Keith were high school teenagers & I was a grade school brat! Little did we know then that we would all become military pilots! You have landed first, in that big air base in the sky. The 3 of us are still on a long downwind. When we arrive, you may be on the golf course or in a duck blind so when we turn base we will transmit on God Channel for landing instructions! Maybe later, we can "kick a tire, light a fire" and fly a tight 4 ship formation! See you later dear friend!!!
Roger Evans
November 6, 2010
Col. Taylor. I willnalways miss you to my last day on this earth. I served under you in the 86th, Mas when I returned from Viet-Nam. I will never forget your call to me at o630 in the morning to tell me I had been promoted to LtCol.
Roger Evans
November 6, 2010
Col.Taylor, After my one year in Viet-Nam I returned to the USA to the 86th MAS as a Major. You were my Squadron Comander. I lived in Base Housing (Travis) when you called me to let me know that I had been promoted to Lt. Colonal at 630AM. I certainly will remember you to my last day on earth. I will defintly be at your services to morrow to pay my respects to a person who had a great influence in my life
Reno Air Races 2008
Robert Taylor
November 5, 2010
English Family
November 5, 2010
Robert, You are truly missed and fondly held in our hearts. You were an amazing man (father by choice) and we are blessed that God brought you and your wonderful family into our lives. I will always appreciate your quiet style and kind heart. Fly high in heaven. Love, Stacey, Brett and Dreeanne.
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