Donald Ledford Taylor passed away in the arms of his family on May 5, 2021 in Bakersfield, California at the age of 83.
He was born in Columbus, Ohio on May 29, 1937, the youngest son of Opal Ledford Taylor and John Milton Taylor and little brother to Edward Milton Taylor. The family moved to El Monte, California in 1945 where Don graduated from high school in 1955.
He was blessed with a loving family and grew up loving to learn. He and his brother both excelled in school and were deep thinkers. Dad loved to play basketball and tennis, playing for a time on the Pepperdine basketball team. He had a heart for his Lord, Jesus Christ, and his studies followed his heart. He graduated from Pepperdine University in 1959 and continued his studies at Fuller Theological Seminary graduating in 1962 with his Masters of Divinity. He ministered for churches in Long Beach and Chicago before returning to California in 1966. He found a home in Bakersfield where his ministry took a different direction serving students in the public school setting. He was a proud Beardsley Bear and served the students at Beardsley Jr. High School until his retirement. He truly enjoyed his fun-loving colleagues! Over the years, he was an active member and leader at Westside Church of Christ where his classes were enjoyed by many.
He met his beautiful wife, Nancy Ruth Burton, while a student at Pepperdine. They married in 1958 and would have celebrated 63 years of marriage on August 23. They had three children and were proud to be their biggest cheerleaders. He went to countless school concerts, recitals, plays, tennis matches, basketball games, and track meets and made us think he loved them all! He continued the tradition and attended his grandchildren’s events, delighting in each one. He adored his 5 grandchildren and their spouses as well as his cherry-on-top, his great granddaughter. We were so loved!
Don was preceded in death by his parents and his brother. He is survived by his wife Nancy, his daughter Gail Strother (Sander), his son Russ Taylor (Mindy) and his daughter Karen Taylor. His grandchildren John Strother (Dylana), Samantha Taylor, Rebecca Taylor Malnar (Kane), Luke Strother, and Daniel Taylor. Great-granddaughter, Marlee Strother, and many loved extended family members.
A private graveside service will be held at Greenlawn Southwest. A celebration of Don’s life will be held at Westside Church of Christ, 7300 Stockdale Hwy, on Saturday, May 15, at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beardsley School Community Foundation,1001 Roberts Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93308, to benefit and encourage current and future budding learners. Or, to Westside Church of Christ for their many wonderful ministries.