TAYLOR, Jack Wilber

Yuma Sun, Yuma, Arizona - Published in The Yuma Sun on July 7, 2013 - Jack Taylor, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend entered eternal rest at his home on July 1, 2013 at the age of 84 with his wife Mae of 49 years and daughter Lynda by his side. On April 9, 1929, in the farming town of Gem, Kansas, Jack was born into an innovative, hard working farming family made of parents Earl A. and Eva Taylor, brothers Glen and Jesse and sisters Pearl and Ruby. Jack was the epitome of entrepreneurial sprit, completing many projects and successful business adventures from the age of eight. Holding various jobs throughout his childhood, including the paper route for the Arizona Republic and the Yuma Sun, being a car mechanic at the Yuma High School auto shop, and eventually holding his own contractor license. During his career, he built hundreds of homes in the Yuma area and the Hacienda Hotel in Yuma. He was a member of the Yuma Elks BPOE 476 Yuma for 55 years. He attended Yuma High School where he played football and then later attended Arizona Western College. He received his pilot's license. He was an avid hunter as well as a deep sea fisherman in Mexico. Jack was a fan of gardening and hydroponics and he also grew roses and other vegetables. His inventive mind led him to constructing RC model planes as well as many other creative projects. The hobby he was most passionate about was snowmobiling, which became a family tradition and something he enjoyed for many years. He traveled to various parts of Europe and South America as well as Alaska and Canada. Jack was a vibrant and lively man with a deep sense of humor. His warm heart and abounding energy captivated his family and inspired many successes to follow his own. Jack is preceded in death by his father, Earl A. Taylor; mother, Eva Taylor; brothers, Glenn and Jesse Taylor; sister Pearl (Bradford); and son, Donnie Taylor. Jack is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mae Taylor; son, Mike (Becky) Taylor; daughters, Laurene (Gale) Hall and Lynda (Jeff) Draper; sister, Ruby Young; as well as 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be, Rocky Shaddy, Ronnie Shaddy, Jeff Draper, Troy Taylor, Todd Taylor and Austin Taylor. Services will be held at Desert Valley Mortuary, 15877 S. Avenue B. A viewing will be held Tuesday, July 9, 2013 from 6-8 pm. Funeral following on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 9am. Burial to follow after service at Desert Lawn Cemetery. ______________________________ Yuma Sun, Yuma, Arizona - Published in The Yuma Sun on July 7, 2013 - Jack Wilber Taylor, 84, died July 1, 2013, at his Yuma home. Born April 9, 1929, in Gem, Kansas, he was a general contractor. Visitation will take place on July 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Desert Valley Mortuary. A funeral service will take place 9 a.m. on July 10 at Desert Valley Mortuary Chapel with Father Paul Gambling officiating and officers and members of the Yuma Elks Lodge #476. Burial will follow at Desert Lawn Memorial Park. Desert Valley Mortuary and Crematory is handling arrangements. .