Lawrence Edward Taylor July 25, 1921 - October 26, 2010 Our loving and kind father passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a sudden stroke. He was born on July 25, 1921, in Ogden, Utah to Eldred Orson Taylor and Julia Maddock. He married his sweetheart Bettie Jean Neville on Nov. 1, 1948 in the Manti Temple. Lawrence loved his family very much and was sad to leave them, but was eager to get back to the "Queen of his Castle" who passed away four years ago. Lawrence was an accountant by profession since 1949 and although he "retired", he worked until 2008 when he was 87 years old. He had also been CEO of Douglass Manufacturing. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club for 35 years and one of its past Presidents. He also served as President of Kern Society of Public Accountants. Dad was a kind and gentle soul. He influenced the lives of countless people through his example, integrity, and his desire to serve others to make their day a little better. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tell jokes. He loved to dance with mom, do woodworking and photography. He loved his country, served in the Navy during WWII on the USS Pine Island, and was known by many as "The Great American Patriot". Lawrence loved the Lord and was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings including Bishop for 13 years and in the Stake Presidency for 9 years. He went on a mission to New York and Pennsylvania from 1942-1944 and served in the Los Angeles Temple for 20 years (April 1988 to August 2008) Lawrence was a very devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend whose presence in this world will be missed by all. He is survived by his four children: Linda Carlson and husband Rick of Sandy, UT, Michael Taylor and his wife Abby of Bakersfield, CA, Bill Taylor and wife Deborah of Midland, TX, and Diana Fischer and husband Gregg of Bakersfield, CA; 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bettie; his parents, Eldred and Julia; brothers, Wayne (Margaret) and Glen (Mary); and many cherished friends. We would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Memorial Hospital and Optimal Hospice for their loving care. Services will be held on Saturday, October 30, 11:00 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5600 Panorama Drive. Visitation will be held from 5 - 8 p.m., Friday, October 29, at Alma Funeral Home, 2130 East California Ave. and 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park. www.bakersfield.com/obits
Published in Bakersfield Californian from October 28 to October 29, 2010