Robert Henry Taylor

Robert Henry Taylor, 90, resident of Topeka, Kansas for 67 years, died September 4, 2013 at his home surrounded by family after a long illness. He was born on January 9, 1923 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Erwin and Rosine (Grubstick) Taylor. He attended high school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and entered the Army-Air Force on April 23, 1941 at Fort Des Moines, Iowa. He was a Cpl. with the 22nd Observation Squadron in WW II and served 5 years. Robert was a NCHA member and enjoyed camping, fishing, and was an avid card player. Robert worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber for 39 years in the division of Earthmoving Tire Repair. He was a life member of Knights of Columbus Council #534, V.F.W. Philip Billard Post #1650, and a Charter Member of St. Matthew Catholic Church. Robert married Patricia Reynolds on April 22, 1946 at Assumption Catholic Church in Topeka, Kansas. She survives. Other survivors include three sons, Donald Taylor, Anthony Taylor, and Andrew Taylor all of Topeka, three daughters Catherine Taylor of Roy, New Mexico, Mary Lou Minnick-Taylor of Vidal, California, and Laura Taylor-Cavender of Topeka, one brother James Taylor of Storey, Iowa, one sister, Clair Russell of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, 2 great great granddaughters, one sister in law, Marjori (Reynolds) Geiger McCord of Wichita, Kansas, 6 nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his in laws Harley and Winnifred Reynolds, a brother Bill Taylor, and brothers and sister in laws, Bernie Russell, Max McCord, Earl and Emily Kubler. Robert will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Friday after 2:00 p.m. where family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed by a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial Contributions may be made in Robert's memory to St. Matthew's Catholic Church and sent in care of the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.