PAWNEE ROCK — Tommy Don Taylor, 77, died April 1, 2016 at Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Wichita.
He was born June 14, 1938 at Heber Springs, Ark., the son of Eldon and Georgia (Wolfe) Taylor.
Tom married Reva Gilliss Sept. 11, 1965 at Great Bend. She died April 10, 1991. He later married Liz (Rebel) Kerns, and were later divorced, but remained close.
He served his country as an Underwater Demolitions Team member during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. He was also one of the first instructors at the Navy SEAL school in Little Creek, Va. A Pawnee Rock resident since 2006, Tom was a directional drilling consultant, traveling around the world. He was a member of the American Legion Post 320, in Ellinwood, and an avid five-point pitch player.
Survivors include a son, Sim Taylor and his wife Gail, Billings, Mo.; a daughter, Shanda Mull and her husband Ty, Pawnee Rock; two sisters, Gail Jenisch, Billings, Mo.; Sarah Christopher, Springfield, Mo.; two grandchildren, Emma Cape, Great Bend; and Olivia Mull, Pawnee Rock;
a sister in law, Jolynn Gilliss Schartz, Midland, Texas; and brother-in-laws, Dan Jenisch, Billings, Mo.; and John Schartz, Midland, Texas.
There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. A celebration of life for family and friends will be held at a later date.
A memorial fund has been established with Great Bend High School Booster Club, to benefit the softball, volleyball and swimming programs, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home *
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS, 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 7, 2016
Tommy Don Taylor, 1938-2016
