Russell Taylor

Russell Taylor 54, died suddenly Saturday, ending a life filled with promise for a man filled with talent. He was born in Lafayette, Indiana on June 15, 1953 to Vivion Clark and Talmus Russell Taylor of Anderson. He was a noted football player, track team member, and played in many bands. His golf career began at Kilbuck Golf Club in Anderson, and the dye was cast. He graduated in 1972 from Madison Heights to go on to a life full of living his dreams. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Joni Ireland and they had a son, Russell Michael. Russell was so very proud of his son, who has become an drummer. Michael lives in LA with his lovely wife Stephanie. Professionally, Russell had two passions in life and was fortunate enough to live them both. He became a golf professional, receiving his PGA teaching professional membership in 1987. Russell returned to Indy, first at River Glen Country Club and later at Wolf Run Golf Club as assistant pros. Most recently he was the Head Pro at Douglass Golf Course. His love of kids continued and tried to inspire the next generation to love the game as he did continued. He was the National Director of the Lee Elder Junior Golf Tour in 1996. In 2000, he became the Director of Junior Golf for the city of Indianapolis. He has been the Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory High School boys golf coach since 2000, Regional Champs in 2006. He became the Arsenal Technical High School girls golf coach in 2004. In 1995, Russell became the musical director for a new contemporary service, AliveTime, at First Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church. Providing lead vocals and drums for this unique service. Russell is survived by his son, Russell Michael (wife Stephanie) Taylor, also a professional drummer, Los Angeles, CA; his fiancé, Karen Brock of Indianapolis; brothers Roger (Elnora) Clark of Anderson and John (Vora) Young El of Muncie; a sister, Delorese (Herman) Jennings of Anderson, and his mother, Vivion Clark, Anderson. Other immediate family include an aunt, Constance Oglesby of Sellersburg; three nieces and two nephews, eight great-nieces and nephews; an extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, his grandparents, and his sister, Fannie. Friends and family may call at L.C. May Funeral Home, 2024 Madison Ave, Anderson on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Sherman Street Church of God, 1925 Sherman Street, Anderson with internment following at Maplewood Cemetery. There will also be a memorial service held at his church, First Meridian Heights Presbyterian, 4701 Central Avenue, Indianapolis at 2 p.m. on July 21. Arrangements are being made for a musical tribute by fellow musicians at the Jazz Kitchen on July 22. Further details will be posted at http: www.fmhpc.org