Donald Robert "Don" Taylor

Donald "Don" Robert Taylor, age 74, passed away on March 1, 2006, Ash Wednesday, at his home in Bellaire, Texas. Don had been diagnosed with metastatic mesothelioma in August of 2005. Don was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 4, 1931, to Mary (Jekot) and Andy Podgurski (who died in August prior to Don's birth). Don's last name became Taylor after his mother married Herbert Taylor in 1935. He graduated from Redford Union High School in Redford Township, MI where he was a standout track and cross country runner. He also graduated from Lawrence Institute of Technology in Detroit. Early in the 1950's Don skated in the Roller Derby for the New York Chiefs and Jersey Jolters. He subsequently enlisted in the US Marine Corps. Don spent 15 months in combat on the Main Line of Resistance in Korea, serving with the 7th Marines of the 1st Marine Division. Following the war he began his career with heavy equipment starting as a mechanics helper and rising to the position of General Manager at Earle Equipment Company in Detroit and Romulus, MI. During this period he was active in the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), serving on the AED Dealer Council. Late in 1984 he moved to Houston, TX, as Sales Manager for Cranetex Equipment Company. In 1986 he became General Manager for Hi-Way Equipment Company, Houston, TX from which he retired in 1997, although he continued working on special projects for Hi-Way on a part time basis. On June 28, 1958, he married Dorothy "Dottie" Ruth Curtis. In retirement he and his co-pilot, Dottie, traveled these past 9 summers with a 5th wheel trailer. In addition to traveling, he had a passion for his work, hockey, golfing, fishing, family and friends to which he brought his quick wit and sense of humor. Don was a well-loved man. We will miss his joyous antics and infectious humor. He had a great life - a "wonderful journey" as he liked to say. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of Bellaire, TX; son Dean (Ann) of Victoria, MN; daughter Diane (Dennis Lisk) of Long Beach, CA; son Dwayne (Tammy) of Livonia, MI, and daughter, Donna, of Keystone, CO. Six grandchildren: Kate & Ben Taylor of Victoria, MN, and Susanna, Bethany, Nathan and Lydia Taylor of Livonia, MI. Brother Herbert (Mary) Taylor of Northport, MI, and sister Carole (Bill) Betts of Ann Arbor, MI; nieces Jennifer (Jack) Berner and Katie (Chad) Benson of Traverse City, MI, nephews H. Glen Taylor of Kalamazoo, MI, and Brian Betts of Ann Arbor, MI, a great nephew and niece, 2 aunts by marriage and several cousins. He was an active member of two Holy Cross Lutheran Churchesin Livonia. MI, and Houston, TX. At his request, Don's body has been donated for medical research. A memorial service at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, corner of Wirt and Westview in Houston, will be held on Sunday March 5 at 3:30 PM. A second memorial service will be at a later date at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Livonia, MI, for burial of his cremated remains. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7901 Westview Dr., Houston, TX 77055; Odyssey Health Care Hospice, 2636 South Loop West, Suite 210, Houston, TX 77054; Holy Cross Lutheran Church , 30650 Six Mile Road, Livonia, MI; or the charity of your choice.