Morris Frank Taylor, 96, went to be with the Lord on February 23, 2012, at his home in Irving. He was a life-long resident of the DFW area and lived most of his life in Irving. Born November 12, 1915 in Estelle, Texas, which was incorporated into Irving. Preceded in death by his parents, Ocie and Vergie Taylor, his brother James (Zip) Taylor and his infant brother, his first wife Helen (Ramsey) Taylor, and second wife Thelma (Allen) Taylor. Morris graduated from Grapevine High School, served in the U.S. Army (Infantry) throughout World War II, and was a 60-Year Master Mason and Worshipful Master at the Estelle Lodge 582, A.F & A.M. He owned and managed the first Tom Thumb-affiliated grocery store in Irving (Sower's Food Market). One of his great joys was helping to organize and manage the rescue and restoration of the Bear Creek Cemetery (established in the 1800's) on the western edge of DFW International Airport. He was a founder of the Bear Creek Cemetery Association, and served as a Trustee and volunteer with the Association until his death. He was instrumental in helping to have the cemetery declared an official Historic Texas Cemetery. Morris is survived by his daughter Era Mae (Shirley) Stanford and husband Bill; grandchildren Matthew Stanford, Suzanne Penn and husband Jody, and Karen Howard and husband Sam; great grandchildren Faith Holden, and R.J. Rhynes; sister-in-law Gay Taylor, and nieces and nephews Lanette Carpenter, Peggy Price, Brian Harris, Craig Harris, Larry Taylor, Tim Taylor, and Todd Taylor. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Sunday, February 26, 2012 at Brown's Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Bear Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Saturday at the funeral home. Family and friends remembered Morris as an honorable, kind, respectful, empathetic, and deeply spiritual gentleman.
Published in Dallas Morning News on February 25, 2012