William "Tom" Taylor

William "Tom" Taylor, 74, of Miller, KS, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at his home.

William Thomas Taylor was born on August 6, 1942 in rural Riley County, Kansas, the son of George Franklin and Alice Opal (Griffee) Taylor. He joined the United States Navy and served 24 years. He was in charge of the deck on many naval ships. After military, he worked at various places, Goodyear and for Rich Porter in Miller.

He was joined in marriage to Joyce Parker on March 17, 1962 in Grandview, Missouri. They divorced. Then later married Charlotte Marie (Bays) Heller on May 1, 1980 in Chula Vista, California. She preceded him in death on May 20, 2014.

He is survived by two daughters, LaDonna (Kendall) Lanning and LaJuna Taylor, both of Great Falls, Montana; two sons, George Edward Taylor of Whitinsville, Massachusetts and Jay Taylor of Bozeman, Montana; two step sons, John Raymond Heller of California and James Donald Heller of Emporia, KS; three sisters, Norma (Edward) Lunceford of Oak Grove, MO, Barbara Metz of Cumming, Georgia and Betty Doupnik of California; a brother, DeWayne (Kay) Taylor of Manhattan, KS; twenty grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; a son, Terry Ray Taylor and a sister, Winifred Beck.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 30, 2017 at Ivy Cemetery near Admire. Familywill receive friends Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at VanArsdale Funeral Chapel in Osage City. Memorial contributions may be made to the Miller United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 W. Sixth, Osage City, KS 66523. Condolences may be express at vanarsdalefs.com.