Claude Taylor

Claude Oren Taylor, 76, of Linn Valley, Kansas passed on to his eternal home on Sunday, February 5, 2012 at home. Claude was born October 24, 1935 to Claude Isaac and Clara Smith Taylor of Somerset, Kansas. Claude and Mary Ann Winters were married February 19, 1955 at Immaculate Conception Church in Louisburg, Kansas. To that union were born two daughters Deborah Burns and Sheryl Gray. Claude was very active in the community throughout his life. He was in the Kansas National Guard from 1952 to 1964 from which he was honorably discharged. He owned a milk transport company in the late 1950s and then worked at Johnson Steel in Olathe, Kansas until beginning his career with the U.S. Postal Service in Paola, Kansas. Claude retired from the Postal Service in 1992 after 28 years of dedicated service. Claude was a 50 year member and past master of the Masonic Lodge as well as a member of the Lions Club of Paola. Claude and Mary Ann attended Our Lady of the Lourdes Catholic Church in LaCygne, Kansas where Claude was a member of the Knights of Columbus. While living in Linn Valley, he was a past member of the directors of the Linn Valley POA. Claude"s favorite pastime was fishing and he enjoyed many years of fishing with his brother John and friends. Claude was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Clara, brothers Robert, Dale, Calvin, George and John. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann of the home, four sisters, Juanita Reed, JoAnn Hamlin, Clara Stiles and Peggy Coddington. Two daughters Debbie Burns of Osawatomie, Kansas and Sherry Gray (husband Will) of Springfield, Missouri. Granddaughters, Tammy Stainbrook (husband Brad), Amy Shipley (husband Dustin), Sarah Burns and Lindsey Gray. Great-granddaughters Braxton and Rian Stainbrook and Kaley Shipley.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetic Association or the American Heart Association Holy Trinity Catholic Church Service: Thursday, February 09, 2012 at 10:00 AM Visitation: Wednesday, February 08, 2012 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM Rosary 6 PM