Howard Lybrand Taylor

Howard Lybrand Taylor was born on October 8, 1932 in Malvern, Arkansas and went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 16, 2023 in Redding, CA. Howard "Bud" was the third of five children to Bert B. Taylor and Oma E. (Lybrand) Taylor. Bert was a partner in Collie Chevrolet until WWII. His family moved from Arkansas to Klamath Falls, Oregon when he was 13 years old where he met his lifelong best friend, Vance Vaupel. After high school, Howard served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He proudly served his country "3 years, 10 months, and 28 days!" After being honorably discharged, he moved home and worked in construction. It was there that he sustained a life altering broken back. While recovering from spinal surgery, Howard knew he had to have a less physically demanding career. While studying to achieve his bachelor's degree in business from Portland State College, he met the love of his life, Donna Streeter. They married in 1958. Upon graduation Howard worked for Buick Motor Division for about 8 years, while starting a family. Howard knew he wanted to be on the retail side of the automobile business. While seeking available dealership locations, he visited his friend, Vance, a new MD in Redding. Howard became a partner at Bassett Buick (and Opel) on New Year's Day 1968. Donna and their 4 young children soon followed him to Redding, where Howard, shortly thereafter, became the dealer principal, later adding Pontiac and GMC product lines. In 1977 he built a new dealership and moved Taylor Motors, Inc. to its current location. In the early 1990's, Howard enjoyed having two of his four children join him in running the dealership. Brent and Dian worked alongside their father for almost 20 years. During this time, Howard loved traveling weekly to the bay area or southern California buying thousands of used vehicles from the various GM auctions. Howard acquired the Cadillac franchise in 2008. Howard never officially retired, but stopped working after his spine surgery of 2012. Until the very end, he wanted to know daily what was happening at the dealership. It was his true passion and his legacy. Howard and Vance founded Tay-Van Carwash which provided many a young person their first job while teaching them a strong work ethic. Much like the car business, Howard enjoyed the risk and the reward of real estate investing. Howard was active in Redding East Rotary (president 1976-77), as well as a member of Shriner's, Redding Masonic Lodge, and past member of North Valley Baptist Church. Howard always loved a fast car and competitively drag raced when he was young. He enjoyed flying as a private pilot and soon had to move to the right seat (co-pilot) with Donna piloting their Piper Arrow 200. He loved time in the mountains snowmobiling with Vance. He cherished summers with family and friends on Shasta Lake in his classic redwood Century Coronado boat that he had restored. Later in life, he had the great pleasure of learning the art of wood turning with his close friend (now deceased) Clair Carter. Howard was devoted to his family, including his "bonus child" from next door, Robbie Clearie, who showed up on their doorstep the day they moved to Redding. He was there for his friends and he privately made a difference in the lives of many behind the scenes. He persevered through physical pain, never letting it define who he was. He was an advocate of giving a hand up and supported the Good News Rescue Mission for many years. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Donna; sister, Laura McGaughey; children: Brent A. Taylor (Cheryl), Jana E. Farmer (Pat) of Clovis, CA, Dana E. Neu (John) of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, and Dian L. Brown (Marvin); as well as grandchildren: Joshua Farmer, Nick Rupp, David Neu, Ryan Baker, Taylor Neu, Jeb Brown, Zane Taylor, Demi Brown, and Houston Taylor. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Bill (William) Taylor, Mary Etta Fitzhugh, and Beth Melick, as well as beloved granddaughter Lauren Farmer. A celebration of life will be held on Monday March 6th, 2023 at 10:00 am at Pathway Church, 777 Loma Vista Drive, Redding, CA 96002. In lieu of flowers Howard would prefer you to support: *Shriners Hosptials for Children, 2425 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817. Please designate in memoriam of Howard L. Taylor. *Good News Rescue Mission, 2842 South Market St. Redding, CA 96001. Please designate in memoriam of Howard L Taylor.
Arrangements are pending at Allen and Dahl Funeral Chapel in Redding 530.243.1525