Roy E. Taylor, Sr.

A celebration of life service for Roy E Taylor Sr, 99, of Junction City will be held on Saturday April 12 at 11am at the First Presbyterian Church in Junction City with Reverend Kemper Huber officiating, and Jordan Biggs, Roy’s great-grandson, delivering the eulogy.

He passed away on February 14, 2025 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Junction City, Kansas.

 Roy was born on Oct. 24, 1925 at Arkansas City, KS to Delmer D. and Zetta (Williams) Taylor. He was raised on their Kay County Oklahoma farm. Roy graduated from Newkirk High School in 1943, joined the Navy in September of 1944 and served in the Philippines during WWII until June 1946.

On October 30, 1946, he married Marjorie Lois (Fitzpatrick) Taylor, his childhood sweetheart, a marriage that was to flourish for over 65 years. After attending technical school, Roy worked as a small appliance repair technician, moving to Junction City in 1950. He later owned businesses including a Champlin gas station and worked for the U.S. post office as a clerk and Assistant Post Office Manager. 

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, a long-time member of the American Legion and a devoted and caring husband, father and grandfather. 

He enjoyed traveling while he was able, fishing, golfing, Bluegrass music festivals and any kind of board or domino game. He greatly enjoyed volunteering his time to Habitat for Humanity and was their volunteer of the year. Family remembers him saying, “If Jimmy Carter can do it, so can I.” Two things that would light up his face in his last years were visits (especially from grandkids) and a good game of moon. 

In addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by his wife Marjorie, daughters Lois Cole and Nancy Biggs, granddaughter Jennifer Kohlmann, brothers Harold, Dale, twin brother Ray, and Don, sisters Ruby, Mabel, and Opal Mae and three sons-in-law; Larry Biggs, Ron Cole and Joe Schooler. 

Survivors include sons Michael (Alana) Taylor, Halstead KS, Roy Jr.(Judy) Taylor, San Benito, TX, Patrick (Julie) Taylor, Wichita, KS, Steven (Marsha) Taylor, Lawrence KS, and daughters Diane Cole, Jetmore KS, and Bonnie Schooler, Clever, MO, sister Alice Mochel, FL, and sister-in-law Carol Taylor, FL, 25 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. He was a guiding light to all and will be greatly missed. 

The family suggests memorial donations to Habitat for Humanity of the Northern Flint Hills, 514 Pillsbury Drive, Manhattan, KS 66503, or online at