John M. Taggart

1927 - 2017

John M. Taggart, 90, of Longmont passed away March 29, 2017 at Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center, Lafayette, CO. He was born March 1, 1927 in Elkhart, Kansas to John Larman and Buena (Cayton) Taggart. John grew up in Boise City, Oklahoma on the family farm living through the dust bowl days. He joined the Military right out of high school serving from 1945 to 1946. His family later purchased property and farmed wheat in Strasburg, Colorado. John was taking classes at Denver University and learning how to fly when he met Betty Penney. They were married on June 30, 1950. They made their home in Longmont and John was a crop-duster. John went to work for Golden Companies in 1953 as a heavy equipment operator. He always found time for flying, and was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and flight instructor for multi engine aircraft. John enjoyed the agriculture part of working at Golden Companies, ranging from irrigation structures and improvements, to construction of major infrastructure. His dedication was rewarded in 1970; he was named construction superintendent at Golden Companies until his retirement in 1989. In 1978 John and Betty moved from Longmont to the country, pursuing a shared interest in farming and horses. They started team roping together, their new hobby led to joining a roping club and the Old Timers Rodeo Association. John was passionate about volunteering to help out at rodeos and could be found running the chutes. He is preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers; Virgil Larman and Leslie R. Taggart. John is survived by his wife Betty, two daughters; Penny Sue Ramsey and husband Ron, and Marva DeFalco and husband Skip, grandchildren; Brian Ramsey and wife Sherri, Brandee Galvin and husband Marty and Tony DeFalco and wife Marlena, great grandchildren; Emily, Grace and Chloe Galvin; Tyson and Charlotte DeFalco; Brad Johnson and wife Allie, three great great grandchildren and numerus nieces and nephews. Visitation and viewing will be 5 PM to 7 PM Sunday April 2, 2017 at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Graveside service will be 1:30 PM Monday April 3, 2017 at Longmont Mountain View Cemetery. Military honors will be presented by American Legion Post 32 of Longmont. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Longmont Humane Society or Meals on Wheels and sent in care of Ahlberg Funeral Chapel, 326 Terry St., Longmont, CO 80501. Share condolences at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com.