Frederick Roland Taylor's Obituary
Frederick R. Taylor, 89 passed away at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center, Chanute on Friday, September 7, 2018. Fred was born to J.O. and Helen Taylor in Erie, Kansas on November 17, 1928.
Fred lived a colorful life as a farmer in Chanute, rancher in Colorado and a feedlot manager and truck driver in Western Kansas. He enjoyed retirement in Grove, Oklahoma and on the RV trail playing music whenever he got the chance. He returned to Chanute ten years ago.
Fred was married to Golda Mae Alford on May 21, 1950. They later divorced. Three children: Larry, Kathryn and Rick were born to this union.
An avid horseman, Fred shared his passion and provided opportunities for many Chanute youth as he built an arena for the Chanute Saddle Club on his farm east of town in the 1960s. He was one of thirteen riders who rode horseback from Chanute to Pawhuska, Oklahoma in the late Sixties. Upon moving to Eastern Colorado, he managed a 20,000 acre cow/calf set up. Following his stint in Colorado he moved to Western Kansas managing a feedlot and later driving 18 wheelers across the nation. Fred proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force Reserves in the 1950s. He was a member of the First Christian Church, Chanute.
On September 1, 1989 Fred married Joanne Whiles. They enjoyed full time travel in their RV, living in Texas and Grove, Oklahoma. Joanne supported Fred in his many interests, particularly encouraging him with his love of music. He enjoyed claiming Joanne’s sons Mark and Brian as part of his family.
Fred is survived by his wife, Joanne of the home. Children: Son Larry/Karen Taylor, Garden City, daughter Kathryn Taylor, Chanute, and son Rick Taylor, Chanute, grandson Chris/Felicia Taylor, Pocasset, Oklahoma, great grandchildren Tripp and Drey Taylor, sister Barbara Noah, Fredonia and Norma/Eddie Barger, Grove, Oklahoma, stepson Mark/Kate Whiles, Canton, Ohio, step grandchildren Lacie Whiles, Jazmin Whiles, Adrianna Long, and Katie Bunce, step great grandchildren Karma and Darma Whiles, Tripp Whiles, Clementine Whiles. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepson Brian Whiles and grandson Mark Whiles.
Cremation has been requested. The family will receive friends for a visitation from 9-10:00 a.m. followed by a celebration of Fred’s life at Countryside Funeral Home at 101 N. Highland in Chanute on Tuesday September 11, 2018 at 10 a.m. Private burial will be at a later date. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Memorials have been suggested to the First Christian Church of Chanute and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home, 101 N Highland, Chanute, KS 66720.
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