Maurice D. Taylor, 89, of Gladstone, Missouri, passed away October 30, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born June 17, 1934, in Verdon, Nebraska, to the late Harold and Muriel (Auxier) Taylor.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet (Watkins) Taylor; brother, Ronald M Taylor; and niece, Debra Ann Taylor.
On August 10, 1952, he married Janet Watkins at the Verdon Christian Church and the couple moved to Kansas City that same year. Maurice was employed as a draftsman for the Phillips Petroleum Company while earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He went on to retire from the Ford Motor Assembly Plant in Kansas City as a manufacturing engineering manager after 30 years of service.
He is survived by his son, Terry and wife Sherry (Buck) Taylor; grandsons, Chase and Drake; granddaughter, Grace Ann Taylor; great-granddaughter, Skyla Taylor; daughter, Jana (Taylor) Barnhart; son-in-law, Michael Barnhart; grandson, Sean Barnhart and his wife Bethany (Yirkovski) Barnhart; great grandson, Silas Barnhart; granddaughter, Cezanne Barnhart; sisters, Sandra Taylor (Oxendine) and Lana Taylor (Fraccascia); sister-in-law, Betty Jo (Moore) Taylor; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Maurice was a long-time member of the Fairview Christian Church, and he was deeply devoted to his faith and his church. Over the years he held several department chairmanships, became an elder and was honored to be given the title Elder Emeritus. His love of music resulted in his ongoing participation in the choir, weddings, funerals and the Kansas City Metro Men’s Chorus.
His wife and family were dear to him, as were his friends and church family. His integrity and zest for life
was a testament to his character.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 11, 2023, with visitation from 9 to 10 a.m. followed by service at the Fairview Christian Church, 1800 NE 65th St., Kansas City, MO 64118. His ashes will be interred in the Fairview Cemetery, Kearney, MO, and Verdon Cemetery, Verdon, Nebraska.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Christian Church in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements in care of Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney.
Our Sincere Condolences
Our family was so saddened to hear of Maurice’s passing. I especially grew very fond of your father. Maurice was a great friend to Mom and Dad, Maurice took my on my first home call as a Deacon and I saw how the love flowed from him. I always tried to emulate him in my duties as a Deacon and then Elder. I always based part of my faith on that if a man like your Dad could proclaim his love for Christ, then there really must be something to it all.
Your Dad and your Mom will be greatly missed. They were a blessing.
Susan
We learned of Maurice’s (and Janet’s) passing with sadness. We met them in Colorado when purchasing the mountain home which they built. They were friendly and honest folks. Their delightful spirits are ever-present here. Condolences to their family.
Dave Dezen and Edra Pollin