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William Tao Obituary
Tao, William Kwang-Yeh
a St. Louis engineer whose impact was every bit as monumental as the landmark buildings he designed, passed away December 17, 2019, at the age of 102, in Franklin, TN.
Bill, as he was known to many, was a proud St. Louisan living a full life as an innovative, internationally respected engineer, engaged citizen, community leader, philanthropist and mentor. His contributions to the International Institute, the Missouri Botanical Garden, Washington University, Organization of Chinese Americans, and countless other organizations was profound and lasting.
Tao Kwang-Yeh was born in Bejing, China in 1917. Married to Anne Kuo in 1943, Bill & Anne took advantage of a government program to pursue advanced degrees, immigrating to the St. Louis in 1947 to attend Washington University. Anne would follow in 1949 with oldest son, David. Sons, Richard and Peter, would be born in St. Louis. St. Louis would be his home for 71 years.
In 1955 Bill founded William Tao & Associates, an internationally respected consulting engineering firm
Bill's family includes three sons, David & Mary Tao, Richard Tao & Eliot Cori Tao, and Peter Tao & Helen Lee; grandchildren, Lauren & Greg Thoman, Adam Tao & Audrey Freid, Daniel Tao & Kathryn Morrison, Happy & Nick Kidwell, Naomi Tao, Matthew Tao, Meara Tao, and Chris & Will Tao; and great grandchildren, Rachel & Chloe Thoman, Anna Kidwell, Linden Tao, Violet, William, & Theo Tao.
Services: The family plans a memorial service at Graham Chapel, Washington University, on January 11th, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. with reception to follow. Donations in memory of Dr. William Tao may be made towards Washington University Scholarships or a charity of your choice in his name.
Memories and Condolences
for William Tao
5 Entries
Stanley Tao
October 19, 2020
We just saw this. Our condolences to the family. My parents Eddie and Irene Tao were forever touched and helped by Bill and Anne Tao as immigrants students to Saint Louis in the 1950's. They were forever grateful...
Stanley and Ann Tao
January 29, 2020
What a wonderful, kind and generous man! He was loved by everyone and everyone loved him! He was so kind to EVERYONE - he never met a stranger. A fun story about Bill: when my husband retired: Bill was one of the speakers at his retirement party, and he gave his whole speech in Chinese, with arm waving and hand gestures and lots of inuendos, which of course no one understood a word!! The whole room was laughing in stitches - it was hilarious! Love you Bill - you will be terribly missed.
Sally Sheridan
January 9, 2020
Bill was a special person with a playful spirited soul! We loved him and had the honor of knowing him for many many years. He gave me my first job at his firm summers in college. He taught me many great tennis skills. His knowledge of so many things always made it interesting listening to his stories. His humor went beyond levels which made us laugh all the time. I spent many summers at OWCC with he and Anne and will remember our friendship with great pleasure and love. Enjoy all that heaven brings and you will for sure brighten those around you up there! Much love, Sally (Corbett) Sheridan XOXO
Mike Antoine
January 8, 2020
One of my favorite people, I'll miss him and hope to play tennis till I'm 80+ like he did.
Robert Hegel
January 5, 2020
Bill's generous gifts to the Garden, the University, and other St. Louis institutions will contribute to our community for generations to come.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
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Memorial Events
for William Tao
Funeral services provided by:
Williamson Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services- - Franklin3009 Columbia Avenue, Franklin, TN 37064
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