Obituary for Harold Taylor

Harold Taylor

August 22, 1919 – December 22, 2017

Harold A. Taylor, 98, lifetime resident of Ponca City, died December 22, 2017 with family by his side. A memorial ceremony will be led at Trout Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive family and friends immediately following the service.

Harold was born and raised in Ponca City on August 22, 1919 and was the son of Charles E. and Lola Taylor. Harold had three brothers: Charles, Jack & Bill who preceded in death.

In 1941, prior to World War II, Harold flew from New York to South Africa with Pan American airlines to set up an air base before the war as an airline mechanic. He was drafted during WWII as Crew Chief in the Army Air Corps and dropped the first load of paratroopers and equipment in Normandy in 1944. His unit was involved in every major battle and never lost a plane.

Harold married Lillian Taylor at Riverside Church in New York City on May 21, 1942. Lillian was the love of his life who he affectionately called “Friend.” They were married for more than 65 ½ years. Together they had 3 children: Susan, Steven and Pat. He was a farmer who loved to be outdoors. Every summer when the kids were growing up, Harold provided a 2-week vacation for his family. When the kids left the nest, Harold and Lillian began traveling the world because Lillian loved history and wanted to experience all the places she had read about in the National Geographic Society magazine growing up. Lillian passed her love of travel along to her family who were fortunate enough to have numerous family trips to many destinations, domestic and international, but especially to England, Mexico and Venice, Italy (Harold’s favorite). Together, Harold and Lillian enjoyed Australia, New Zealand, China, Taiwan, Scandinavia, Turkey and Greece to name a few. They enjoyed the food, the places, and meeting people in every country they visited.

Harold was very active in and an avid supporter of the Ponca City Aviation Booster Club. He baked the biscuits and made the gravy for many years! He also was a member of and supported both the American Legion and the VFW.

Together, Harold and Lillian enjoyed life to the fullest and enjoyed family and many lifelong friends. After Lillian passed away in 2007, Harold continued his travels with his children to places such as Cozumel, Mexico (one of his favorites) and enjoyed numerous cruises because you only have to unpack once! Harold was an exceptional father who loved his family. He loved life, adventure and world travel. He also continued Lillian’s practice of giving gifts to her friends by presenting boxes of chocolates, jars of jam or other item he thought his friends would enjoy.

Harold is survived by his children: daughter, Susan Pickren of Decatur, GA, son, Dr. Steven B. Taylor of Dallas, TX, and daughter, Pat Price and husband Bill of Ponca City, sister-in-law, JoAnn Smith of Tulsa, nieces and nephews, Val Taylor of Tustin, CA, Jacque Taylor Temple of NJ, Terri Pletcher and husband John of Canyon, TX, Charlotte Burton of Tulsa, Ralph G. Smith and wife Jackie of Yukon, and Carolyn Brady and husband Jim of Tulsa.

The family would like to personally thank Via Christi Village staff members for providing their care and support, and kindness to our father during the past 2 ½ years. Thanks to Kerry, Jackie, Anita, Michelle, Leticia, Betty, Pam, Brooke, Sabrina, Jennifer, Mark, Jessica, Lucy, Keith, Brenda, Jan, Sharon, Dana, Mel, Rebecca, Carl, and Cindy to name a few. We would also like to thank Mitch and Kristel from Humanity Hospice. Harold had many friends (and other staff members too numerous to mention) at Via Christi who will miss his quick wit, his giving nature, and his big smile. He was so loved and will be missed by so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests celebrating his life by honoring him with a donation to the Ponca City Aviation Foundation, Building Fund, 2401 N. Waverly Street, Suite 15, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home