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Robert Taylor Obituary
Shreveport, LA - A memorial service celebrating the life of The Reverend Dr. Robert Edward Taylor will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 20, 2014 at Brown Memorial Chapel on the campus of Centenary College in Shreveport, LA. Former Centenary President, The Reverend Dr. Donald A. Webb will officiate. A reception will follow in the Kilpatrick Auditorium.
Robert Ed passed away peacefully on October 15, 2014 surrounded by his family. During his 83 years, Robert Ed touched the lives of countless individuals through his ministry and teaching at Centenary College of Louisiana and numerous Methodist churches in Louisiana and Texas. He held the T.L. James Chair in Religion at Centenary and served as Chaplain and Chairman of the Religion Department as well as Professor of Religion. Upon his retirement from Centenary College he was named Professor Emeritus. During his 38 years at Centenary he also served as Acting Dean and Assistant to the President as well as Director of the Church Careers Program, Director of Church Relations and founding father of the Iota Theta Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilson Fraternity where he also served as its faculty advisor. Dr. Taylor served as Pastor of Longstreet UMC, Stonewall UMC, Keatchie UMC, First UMC in Zachary, LA, Associate Pastor at UMC, Baton Rouge, LA, and Pastor of Ringgold, and Montague UMC in Texas.
Dr. Taylor was retired as an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church from the Louisiana Annual Conference in 1996 after 42 years of service. He held a B.A. from Centenary College of Louisiana, Master of Divinity and Master of Sacred Theology from Southern Methodist University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Robert Ed filled his retirement years with an array of interests including being a member of the Shreveport Art Club as an accomplished oil and watercolor artist.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Gray and Elizabeth Currie Taylor of West Monroe, LA. Robert Ed is survived by his wife, Norma Sue Shackelford Taylor; his son Robert Marshall Taylor of New York City; his daughter Kathryn Elizabeth (Libby) Burkhalter and her husband Steven Don Burkhalter of Shreveport; his grandchildren Lauren Elizabeth Blanco and husband Mark Blanco of Springfield, MO and Taylor Lewell Burkhalter of Shreveport.
Serving as honorary pallbearers are Wilfred Guerin, Neil Johnson, Earle Labor, Lee Morgan, Andy Shehee, Don Webb and the members of the Tau Kappa Epsilson Fraternity.
The family suggests memorial gifts may be made to Centenary College of Louisiana, 2911 Centenary Blvd., Shreveport, LA, 71104.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Taylor
McLaurin
October 27, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. May God keep fast hold of you with his right hand during this difficult time.
BJ McKim
October 24, 2014
I was at Centenary from 1971 - 1973. Robert Ed was an incredible pastor and person. He performed my wedding ceremony in 1981. My prayers go out to the family and friends who will miss his wonderful smile and calm voice.
RON ATCHLEY
October 23, 2014
I Remember his friendly smile. I only had him for one class at Centenary but Centenary and all of us will always remember him.
Cynthia Lewis
October 22, 2014
Norma, Marshall and Libby, so sorry for your loss. Robert Ed loved you all so much, and talked of you constantly. He was a huge support to me in my student days -- a great and caring counselor. He will be sorely missed by many.
Charles/Mary ` Wood
October 22, 2014
Charles and I share your sadness. He was a wonderful Christian man always sharing his humor, mirth and love of God. Our hearts ache for you, NORMA God bless you.
October 21, 2014
I didn't know Dr. Taylor personally but his wife Mrs. Taylor was my teacher at Hamilton Terrace back in the 60's. Prayers to you and your family. Mrs. Taylor, you were an inspiration to me & when we do see each other on occasion, you've always remembered me. God Bless. Melissa Wright Togersen
October 21, 2014
Though I am sad for this loss, reading about his life is a glorious testimony to a life of faith in God. My prayers are with you Norma and Libby. I can see your wonderful influence and helping others, will continue his legacy of faith.
Candace McConnell Collette
Kim Jackson
October 21, 2014
Such a kind, gentle, happy, sweet man! Your grace and integrity are wonderful examples of how to live a good life. I am blessed and a richer person for having known you.
October 20, 2014
Such a sweet, good man who did his best teaching by example...
I'm a better person for having known you, Robert Ed.
October 20, 2014
What a wonderful man. He meant so much to so many. Mary and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Juliana Brown Sheffield
October 18, 2014
I am so sorry to learn of Robert Ed's passing. He was a wonderful man! He was my professor at Centenary ('88-'92) and I was his secretary for a couple of years in the religion department. I loved him, his classes, his smile, and his enthusiasm for everything he did. My prayers are with you all as you grieve his passing. May you find comfort in God's loving arms.
Patricia Taylor Avery
October 18, 2014
I 'm so sorry to hear about my dear cousin's passing. He was a warm and wonderful person. I send my condolences to Norma Sue, Marshall, Libby, and family.
Julie Clegg
October 18, 2014
A true loss. Libby and Marshall, my thoughts and prayers are with you both. Robert Ed was a kind and gentle leader. My experience at Centenary was richer because of him.
Pete DeBuys
October 18, 2014
As the facility sponsor of Tau Kappa Epsilon at Centenary College Robert Ed espoused the words we all memorized as our guiding principals, "Not for Wealth Rank or Honor but for Personal Worth and Integrity." Thank you my friend for being a great role model.
Betsy L. Maguire
October 18, 2014
Marshall, I send my deepest condolences to you and your family. I'll always remember how Robert Ed had a such a strong presence in the lives of so many of us while we were at Centenary and beyond. His presence has been, is, and will always continue to be in each of our lives. Robert Ed was so inspirational to me and I know he had such had a tremendous influence on everyone whose life he touched.
October 17, 2014
There was no kinder, trusting man on campus than Robert Ed. While I did not know he became an artist, I am not surprised -such a thoughtful and gentle soul. With warm memories and prayers to the family, Judy & Larry Godfrey, Abilene, TX
October 17, 2014
Seeing the picture of Robert Ed from the Times immediately took me back to Centenary.
Robert Ed was a silent fortress; someone I trusted, respected, and relied on when my father passed away in 1971.
Cindy Brown Allor
Shirley Watts
October 17, 2014
I have fond memories of going on MSM retreats with Robert Ed as our leader. I remember his smiling face, his laughter, and just how much fun he was to have around. My condolences to his family.
John Mollet
October 17, 2014
Robert Ed was one of my favorite professors at Centenary. He was always looking for that new, creative way to teach the Good News and to do ministry. He helped the Bible come alive for me. I have seen many of his influences throughout my ministry.
Melissa Wilkins Brigman
October 17, 2014
Robert Ed was my teacher, my boss (as secretary of the Religion Dept), and my friend! He was a major influence in my life. Earth's loss is heaven's gain!
Brian Kovacs
October 17, 2014
A kind, caring, compassionate and gentle colleague and friend. Many wonderful experiences of worship in the Steeple. I miss him. Grace and peace to his family and friends.
Helen Thornton
October 17, 2014
Thank you for your wisdom and for befriending two little boys, that you allowed to call you Mr. Ed. Love you.
David & Tina Langston
October 17, 2014
A kind man and one of my favorite professors at Centenary College of Louisiana. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family and other Centenary classmates and faculty during our time of loss.
Ken Paulovich
October 17, 2014
Libby, So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. You remain in my prayers.
Gail Fountain
October 17, 2014
Robert Ed was our pastor for many years at Longstreet UMC, he baptized my son, he was very special, sorry for your loss.
Sarah Tully
October 17, 2014
Robert Ed was very special. when I talked to hi, he focused on our conversation as if I was the only person who mattered at that moment. He and I saw each other in the past 4 years at Starbucks on Line Avenue and Youree Drive at Barnes and Noble.
ok cleaners
October 17, 2014
We'll miss his smiling face at the cleaners
Our sympathy to you and your family
Dr M Jack O'Dell
October 17, 2014
A blessing to me and many! Praying for all and giving thanks !
Charlotte Webb
October 17, 2014
I remember Rev. Taylor as a professor of religion at Centenary. I send my condolences to his family.
Steve Locke
October 17, 2014
So sorry to hear of his passing . He was a fine man and a good teacher at Centenary as well as a family friend.
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