Robert Henry "Bob" Taylor was born in La Grange, Kentucky on October 17, 1925, one of two sons born to Reynard Herndon Taylor and Lena Crystal (Ashby) Taylor. His youth was typical for the times, but, by Bob's own accounting, his story began on December 7, 1941, when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and started World War II. Bob was on a hunting trip when the news broke, and Bob, although only 16 at the time, knew he wanted to join the fight. He already knew how to fly and was automatically selected to be a pilot in the United States Navy. Bob flew a Grumman F4F Wildcat, and his service is an amazing story of bravery and perseverance that few can claim. His contribution to victory is glorious and should be made into a movie. He was the subject of several articles and interviews.

After the war Bob met the love of his life, Marvyl May (Nelson), where she worked in a sweet shop in the San Francisco Bay area. They were married October 25, 1945. Theirs was a wonderful life together for 65 years until her passing in 2010.

After he retired from United Airlines, where he worked in maintenance engineering, Bob built his own biplane in 1983. He flew his open cockpit plane from Hayward, CA to Oshkosh, WI. In earlier years he enjoyed picking up planes from dealerships and delivering them to buyers, wherever that might be.

Bob had other interests as well. He liked golfing, hunting, fishing, travel, and tinkering and woodworking in his barn, as well as enjoying life to the fullest. He met the worst and best times of life head on with style. He was known for his sense of humor. One of his favorite quotes was, upon being told, "it's good to see you, Bob" his response was often, "better to be seen than viewed".

Bob departed this life just a few minutes before the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. What a legacy he has left for his survivors! They include his three daughters, Carole Kaiser and husband, Ed of Fresno, CA, Virginia Maraschiello of Louisville, Kentucky, and Donna Ferguson of Wagoner, OK; his grandchildren and their spouses, Kimberly and Ted Kouba, Tracie and John Polosky, Latresha Evans, Lynette and Mike Bailey, and Joseph and Amanda Maraschiello; nine great-grandchildren; and three great great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reynard and Lena Taylor; his wife, Marvyl Taylor, his brother, Murray Taylor; and two sons-in-law, Lou Maraschiello and Roy Ferguson.

The family will welcome friends at a Visitation on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at Mallett Funeral Home in Wagoner between the hours of 5 and 7 pm.

Bob lived a full life, and that life will be celebrated at his funeral service on Friday, December 13 at 11 am at the First Christian Church, 415 N.E. 2nd Street, Wagoner, OK. Officiating will be the Reverend Will Smith.