Merle Henry Taylor

Merle Henry Taylor, Sr. was born on Thursday, December 8, 1927, in Chanute, Kansas. He was the son of Elvin T. and Mary (Hubbard) Taylor. He moved from Douglas County to Ottawa in Franklin County, Kansas in 1958, where he made his home until his death on Sunday, January 20, 2008, at the age of eighty years. He worked most of his life as a self-employed carpenter. He also worked several years at Hercules Sunflower Ammunition Plant and Commodore Mobile Homes. For fifteen years, he was a school crossing guard at Eugene Field Elementary, a job he dearly loved. The kids all called him 'Cookie Monster'. Merle served in the United States Army from 1946 to 1947 as an Engineer, receiving the World War II Victory Medal. Merle was deeply involved in church activities. He was a former member of Calvary Baptist Church of Ottawa for thirty-seven years, serving as a teacher and board member. For many years, Merle went on visitations with Pastor Weber. He was currently a member of Bible Baptist Church of Ottawa. He loved to go fishing and enjoyed building things for his grandchildren, whom he dearly loved. On March 19, 1949, Merle was united in marriage with Elizabeth Anne Elder in Ottawa, Kansas. She preceded him in death on September 8, 2000. On June 2, 2001, Merle was united in marriage with Glenda Faye (Gieber) Elder in Ottawa, Kansas. She survives of their home. He is also survived by two sons, Merle 'Oscar' Taylor, Jr. and his wife, Dixie, of Ottawa, KS, Thomas E. Taylor, Sr. and his wife, Betty, of Williamsburg, KS; four stepsons, Jack 'Randy' Elder, Jr. and his wife, Connie, of Tulsa, OK, Willie Elder and his wife, Linda, of Ottawa, KS, Barry D. Elder of Lawrence, KS, Dennis C. Elder of Ottawa, KS; stepdaughter, Teresa L. Wheat and her husband, Brad, of Ottawa, KS; two brothers, Cloyde Taylor and his wife, Priscilla, of Meriden, KS, Doyle Taylor and his wife, Peggy, of Corovallis, OR; three sisters, Mary Alice Wolter of Springfield, OR, Bonnie Close of Ottawa, KS, Penit Green of Earlington, KY; nine grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; sixteen step grandchildren; twenty-six step great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; first wife; son, Ronnie Joe Taylor, Sr.; stepdaughter, Joyce Vogeler; two brothers, J. L. and Floyd Richard Taylor; three sisters, Velma Sheler, Viola Riemer, infant Lydia Taylor; and great-grandson, Dominick Taylor. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 24, 2008. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Taylor at Dengel & Son Mortuary after 9:00 a.m. Wednesday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends 7 to 8:00 Wednesday evening. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Merle Taylor Memorial Fund, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.