Kenneth Clifford Taylor (August 10, 1923 - December 21, 2018)

In loving memory of
Kenneth Clifford Taylor
  • August 10, 1923
  • -
  • December 21, 2018

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Obituary

Kenneth Clifford Taylor, age 95, passed away on Friday, December 21, 2018 in The Villages, FL. Ken was born in Puyallup, WA on August 10, 1923 to Howard and Emily Taylor. Ken grew up in Sequim, WA and attended the University of Washington where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and participated in ROTC. On April 5, 1943 Ken enlisted in the Army and then joined the Army Air Corps where he served as a Lieutenant and Bombardier. He and his crew were members of the 20th Air Force, 21st Bomber Command, 314th Wing, 29th Bomb Group, 6th Squadron and flew on a plane they named “Renton’s Reck.”

 

Ken flew a total of 30 combat missions and 428 combat hours, including flying in the last combat mission flown in World War II. Ken was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the highest-ranking medal awarded by the Air Corps during World War II. Ken also received three Air Medals for other achievements, two Presidential citations, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, American Theatre Service Medal, World War II Victory medal, the Iwo Jima Service Medal and a Good Contact Medal. Ken was discharged from the Army Air Corps in December 1945 and returned to the University of Washington to complete his degree.

 

Ken lived many places throughout his life, including Northern California where he spent years building a successful career in the automotive sales industry as well as founding and co-owning Caravan Mobile Homes in San Jose, CA. In 1970, Ken met his wife, Leta Taylor, and the two were married on December 31, 1970, spending the remainder of Ken’s life together. Ken and Leta retired in Scottsdale, AZ and later moved to Florida spending time in Coral Springs before their move to The Villages.

 

Ken was a man of many talents, one of the most notable being his incredible wood carvings. He was an avid hunter and golfer, lover of boats, and an accomplished fisherman who could recall every place he had ever fished. Ken taught his grandchildren the game of gin and hosted tournaments during the holidays, carving trophies for each year’s winner. He knew how to tell a great story, was always equipped with the best one-liners and would never turn down the opportunity to dance with his wife. Ken was a proud veteran and spent the later part of his life sharing his experiences at war with friends, family and historians. He even co-authored a book on World War II called, “Faces of the Distinguished Flying Cross of Central Florida.”

 

Ken is survived by his wife, Leta Taylor; children Nancy Murphy (Steve), K.C. Taylor Jr., Greg Franz (Kris), Michael Franz (Wendy) and Vallerie Tabit (Rick); nine grandchildren, Corrie Romena (Matt), Zack Franz (Kristen Daniels), Samantha Rich (Chris), Rob Franz (Briana Brewer), Jamie Franz (Amber Combs), David Franz (Haley), Andrea Becker (Will), Brianne Cardiello (Jim) and Alyssa Tabit (Freddie Smith); four great-grandchildren, Andrew Romena (Corrie and Matt), Lakelynn and Adalynn Franz (Jamie and Amber), and Juliana Cardiello (Brianne and Jim); three nephews, Robert, John, and Greg Taylor and niece Rhonda Kollar. Ken is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Howard Jr. and Warren Taylor, and Ruby Taylor, mother of Nancy and K.C. Taylor Jr.

Ken lived a life filled with laughter and adventure. He left this world having loved and been loved deeply by his family and many friends – he will be immeasurably missed. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the American Legion Post 347 in Lady Lake, FL.

 


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  1. Vallerie Tabit lit a candle:
    06 Dec 2022
    Lit since December 6, 2022 at 12:49:18 PM

  2. Zack lit a candle:
    12 Feb 2019
    Lit since February 12, 2019 at 2:01:29 AM

  3. Zack says:
    12 Feb 2019
    In a blink of an eye our world has changed, no longer can I pick up the phone just to say hi.
    I miss you so much Grandpa.
    Love Zack

  4. Vallerie Tabit says:
    03 Feb 2019
    Missing you so very much. Your smile, the joy you found in the simplest things, your unconditional love, your special way of always lifting me up, and your fabulous sense of humor. You were the best Father a girl could ever hope for. I love you always and forever.

  5. Vallerie Tabit lit a candle:
    03 Feb 2019
    Lit since February 3, 2019 at 2:01:59 AM

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    17 Jan 2019
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