Richard "Dick" Taylor

Richard “Dick” Taylor passed peacefully surrounded by family on July 4, 2021. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, J. Riley and Katherian Taylor, and son, David Taylor. He is survived by wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Taylor; son, Steve (Teri) Taylor; daughter, Linda (Kevin) Shannon; son, John (Amy) Taylor; brothers, Bill Taylor and Jim (Kathy) Taylor; grandchildren, Stephanie (Eric) Eldridge, Brian Taylor, Jeffrey Taylor, Ashton (Tyler) Palmore, Madison Taylor, Connor Shannon, Brock Shannon and Bryce Calhoun; great-grandchild, Landon Eldridge, and many special nieces, nephews and family members. Dick was born in Hutchinson, Kansas, and spent his younger years in both Hutchinson and Davenport, Iowa. He and Betty met at the Fox’s Ice Cream store. Following graduation from Hutchinson High School, he joined the National Guard. After basic training, he was stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia. While still in Georgia, he had the opportunity to attend the Masters Golf Tournament, but he chose to forgo it so he could head home to Betty! He took a job with Dillons as a produce manager in Manhattan, Kansas. While Dick was working in Manhattan, he and Betty continued their long-distance relationship while she completed the last few months of high school. Dick proposed to Betty in November 1959. They were married on July 31, 1960. Betty contends she “saved Dick’s life” by marrying him as he no longer had to drive many late-night miles between Manhattan and Hutchinson! Their early married life occurred in Manhattan, Kansas and Topeka, Kansas. They were blessed with four children in five years! In 1968, Dick was transferred with Dillons/Kwik Shop as an area supervisor to Wichita, Kansas. As the family started their life in Wichita, they found a church home at West Heights United Methodist Church. Dick was a member of various church committees and was actively involved in church life throughout the years. Camping, canoeing, and sailing were a part of the Taylor family life. After purchasing a sailboat, Betty insisted they take sailing lessons through the American Red Cross. After completing the courses, Dick became a volunteer sailing instructor for the organization. Through the years, he was a hands-on dad as a Cub Scout Master and a great cheerleader for his grandchildren. In later work years, he was a route salesman for several companies. His final 12 years of employment were spent with Scott and Landers, Inc. as a warehouse inventory manager. Although he spent many long years as a proud, hardworking man, he never let the work he did define him, but instead let his family, friends, and big heart characterize who he was. In his retirement, Dick volunteered at Wesley Healthcare, logging over 3,000 hours, and enjoyed creating through adult coloring. He found great joy in his family and knew how to put a smile on everyone’s face. We will miss his humor, playful smile, pleasant easy-going nature, kindness, and the light he brought to others. Visitation with family, 6-8 pm, Friday, July 9, at Downing and Lahey Mortuary West, 10515 W. Maple, Wichita. A Celebration of Life Service will be 11 am, Saturday, July 10, at West Heights United Methodist Church, 745 N. Westlink, Wichita. Memorials to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202 and West Heights United Methodist Church, 745 N. Westlink, Wichita, KS 67212.