Don E. 'Rick' Taylor, Jr.

Don E. Taylor, Jr, was born and raised in Topeka and passed away peacefully in his home on January 14, 2025. Don was born on June 12, 1946, the son of Don E. Taylor, Sr. and Genevieve (Salmon) Taylor. He graduated from Topeka West High School, Class of ’64, and attended Washburn University. Rick was preceded in passing by his parents, his sister Michele Dericks, his younger brother Keith Taylor and is survived by his brother Brian of Olathe, KS., along with 14 nieces and nephews.

Rick enjoyed meeting and getting to know people. He stayed active in school and class activities and spent his early and later business years working for Wolfe’s Copy Products, formerly Wolfe’s Camera, where he relished meeting and helping people in the business community. In 1976 Rick founded Grand Pix Import Auto Parts, which he owned and managed until its sale.

A lifelong ‘Car Guy’, and a racer himself, Rick enjoyed all motorsports activities and was the driving force behind the establishment of Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka. A pillar in the Kansas Region of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), he served as Regional Executive for three separate terms, was a principal supporter of ‘The Track’ and continued as a liaison with city and county officials.

Rick loved life, meeting new people and being active in the Topeka community. He’ll be missed by many.

A Celebration of His Life will be held on Saturday, April 5th at the VFW Post #1650 in Topeka from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, and in Memory of Rick, please consider a memorial contribution to Washburn University’s Genevieve Taylor and Brandy Allison Nursing Scholarship, a fund he established and deeply valued. Gifts can be mailed to Washburn University Foundation at 1729 SW McVicar Ave, Topeka, KS 6604, or online at wualumni.org/givenow.