1920
2013
Robert Merrill Taylor
1920 - 2013
Robert Merrill Taylor, CWO-4 USN Retired, a member of the Greatest Generation passed away on August 21, 2013.
Bob was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on October 10, 1920 to Lucy Catherine (Taylor) Taylor and Edwin James Taylor both originally from England. He is preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings. He was a devout Roman Catholic and a member of Little Flower Catholic Church. Most recently, he was a parishioner at Saint Sylvester in Gulf Breeze. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Constance Pearl Shea. They were married on February 10, 1945 at Saint Francis Xavier Church, Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. In addition, he is survived by his eight children, Maureen (Al) Costlow, Robert Taylor, Mary (Mickey) Broxson, Constance (Charles) Joffrion, Timothy Taylor, John (Angie) Taylor, Ann (Roger) Pearson, and Michael Taylor. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He is dearly missed by all.
After graduating from Worcester Boys Trade High School in 1939, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy in November and served as an Apprentice Seaman, Hospital Apprentice First Class, Chief Pharmacist's Mate, Chief Hospital Corpsman, and Warrant Officer 1,2,3,4. He received two Presidential Citations for good conduct, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and three Letters of Commendation. He served in initial operations at the Battle of Guadalcanal and later during combat in the Korean War aboard the USS Van Valkenburgh. During his service, he relished the opportunity to play baseball for two years as catcher with the Quonset Flyers and later served as an umpire. He retired in May 1970 after over 30 years of distinguished service.
Following his military career, Bob and his family settled in the Myrtle Grove area of Pensacola. His legacy of service continued. He was a past vice president of both the PTA and Parish Council of Little Flower Catholic Church. He was especially passionate about serving those with mental disabilities. He was a board member of Mental Health Assn. of Escambia County, Escambia County ARC, Vice President Florida ARC NW Region, United Cerebral Palsy of NW Florida, Epilepsy Society of NW Florida, Interim Executive, and Executive Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Pensacola Chapter. He served two terms in the Florida ARC, receiving the Presidents Award in 1985. He was honored as a member of the Okaloosa County Special Olympics Hall of Fame and received the national award, Hope Chest, Volunteer of the Year 1971.
Bob loved to be active in the community and served in many civic and military alumni associations. He was a life member of Guadalcanal Campaign Veterans Assn., USS Van Valkenburgh DD656, Korean War Era Reunion Assn., Patrol Squadron Eight Alumni Assn., Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, First Marine Division Assn., Military Officers Assn. of America. He contributed as a Plank Owner at the US Navy Memorial Washington DC, Founding Member American Air Museum in Britain, Charter Member World War II Museum New Orleans. In addition, he was a member of the Pensacola Lions Club, Greater Pensacola Kiwanis Club, Ensley Kiwanis Club, Optimist Club of Northeast Pensacola, Knights of Columbus Council 5658 4th Degree, Deluna Assembly K of C, Health and Welfare Committee, Action 76, Commissioner Amateur Softball Assn., Hawaiian Island 1954-55-56, President Hawaiian Armed Forces Sports Officials Association 1954-55-56, and Founder and President, Sports Officials Assn., Camp LeJeune NC.
To those close to him, he was known as Pops. He will always be remembered for his quick wit, wise counsel, and parting comment of "Keep Smiling!"
Our family is grateful to everyone who cared for Pops. He and we appreciate you, including the staff at The Blake, especially Tanja Waddell-Renneker, and Emerald Coast Hospice. He had so many wonderful caregivers and frequent visitors -- Cathy, Felicia, Hong, and too many more to name. Please know we are so grateful to all of you.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 12:30pm on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at Little Flower Catholic Church followed by a 2pm interment with full military honors at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Florida. Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Paul Costlow, Christian Costlow, Jason Verschueren, Thomas Brennan, James Broxson, Justin Joffrion, and Jeremy Taylor (honorary).
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the ARC Gateway, 3932 N Tenth Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32503. Oak Lawn Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
August 31, 2013
John Askew
I am so grateful to Bob for his friendship and mentoring. He made a difference in my life and made me a better person. I love you Bob and thank you for your life. God knew what He was doing when He gave you to us. My love and heart to all the family...
August 30, 2013
Teresa Lucas
Ann,& Family, I am sorry for your loss & have you in my prayers.
August 27, 2013
Steve Gunter
Even though I don't remember ever meeting him I know he was a great Dad and a great American. I know you idolized him by all the wonderful things you have always said about him. People of our generation are so fortunate to have parents from the Greatest Generation. We are the luckiest people on earth.
August 26, 2013
Deepest sympathy to the Taylor family. May you have peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
August 26, 2013
Ed Martinelli
As each member of that Greatest Generation is called home we; as a nation, as Americans, and as friends and acquaintances; lose a precious gift given to this nation when we needed it the most. Robert's service, military and civilian, made us better and is deserving of much appreciation. I thank him, his wife and his posterity for that. You are in my prayers, as I offer my condolences.
August 26, 2013
Wanda Harne (Teel at that time)
I worked with "Bob" at HRS for 4 years, I was the secretary in the Health Program Office just next door to his office...we shared so many stories and his advice/counsel to me during my personal hard times was priceless...I loved his humor and honesty...I think about him often even though I haven't seen him in years....he will always hold a special place in my heart....he was like a part-time dad to me and what an inspiration he was to many....Rest in Peace Bob....sympathy to all who loved him as I did.....
August 26, 2013
Carol Beede
As we enter our 60th year of providing services, Bob will be missed by all his friends at The Arc Gateway! He was a wonderful man who dedicated himself to improving the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. RIP
August 26, 2013
aPriori Sales Team
Ann & Roger: Our condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
August 25, 2013
Zearl Lancaster
He will be missed, but he will always
be in our hearts.
August 25, 2013
Millie Cascone
My condolences to all the family.
August 25, 2013
My condolences to all the family. Millie Cascone
My condolences to all the family. Millie Cascone
August 25, 2013
Brittany and Allan Nevlud
Ann,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God bless you all and we are here if you need anything. Love you!
August 25, 2013
Each of you were richly blessed to have such a fine man to call your Father. Although you will miss him dearly, trust that one day you will meet again. Until that day, live each day to the fullest and to the best of your ability in his memory. God Bless each one of you. Patrice Adams
August 25, 2013
Dennis Marcotte
My condolences to the whole family. I am a friend of Bobby´s but never had the honor to meet Pops. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dennis
August 25, 2013
Lisa & Royce Bullock
Connie & Chuck & Family...Our deepest sympathy for the loss of such a wonderful father and friend. Our thoughts are with you.
August 24, 2013
Lynn Scott
Ann, Your father reminded me so much of mine. I can't express to you enough how sorry I am for your loss. Remember all the good times. We were very blessed!
August 24, 2013
Rob Goley
Ann. God bless you and your family during this time. My prayers are with you
August 24, 2013
Ann,
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Coats
August 24, 2013
Laura Everett
Ann and Family , You are all in my thoughts and prayers . May God bless and comfort you !
August 24, 2013
kiki polanco
Love all of you.. keeping you in my prayers always. Will make sure Queen is happy and in good hands. God bless you and your family
August 24, 2013
Karen Kane
Connie & Chuck, My condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.You;ll be in my prayers.
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