Paul James Taylor

Paul Taylor, 75, of McKinney, Texas passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2014 with his family by his side after a lengthily battle with prostate cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at the Hastings United Methodist Church with Pastor Denise Stevens officiating. Inurnment will be at the Farm Creek Cemetery east of Henderson with military rites. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday June 13th at the Loess Hills Funeral and Cremation Center in Malvern.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Prostate Cancer Foundation (1250 Forth Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 or https://donate.cancer.org) or Samaritan Inn (1710 N McDonald St, McKinney, TX 75071 or http://www.thesamaritaninn.org/SupportTheInn/DonateNow)

Paul James Taylor son of John and Darlene (Edmondson) Taylor was born January 23, 1939 in Henderson, IA. He received his education from Hastings Schools graduating in 1957. On July 31, 1958 he enlisted in the U.S. Army with the Airborne Division. Paul married Lana Lovejoy on July 20, 1962 at the Presbyterian Church in Red Oak, IA. The couple was blessed with four children; Shelley, Sheila, Chad, and Jennifer. In 1999 Paul retired from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad after a 38 year a career. In 2003 the couple moved from Hastings to McKinney, TX.

Paul enjoyed spending time with family. The highlight of his summers was attending the Taylor family reunions in Hermitage, MO and vacationing at the Lake of the Ozarks and camping with his family and friends. He also kept busy by attending Nishna Valley sporting events, gardening, and driving the back-roads in his old jeep.

After retirement, Paul started bicycling on the Wabash Trace. The one thing he did love about the cold Iowa winters was napping with his cat Alex & dog Dinky. He enjoyed making many trips to Texas to see his grandchildren and support them in their academic and athletic endeavors. Paul also became a subject matter expert on how to win at a game of free cell. After moving to Texas, he & his wife spent many days at his kids lake houses boating, fishing, and trying to get up on water skis again. They also loved driving across the U.S. to see friends and relatives.

Paul had two favorite quotes ... When asked how he was doing, he'd respond with 'Today is the best day of my life, I just don't know how it could get any better, thank-you for asking,' and when asked if the story he had just told was an accurate reflection of the events, he'd respond with 'I never let the truth get in the way of a good story.'

Paul is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lana Lovejoy Taylor; children, Shelley Vaughn of Emerson, IA, Sheila Taylor Frink & Randy, Chad Taylor, and Jennifer Taylor Muncrief & Jim all of McKinney, TX; grandchildren, Ashlee Vaughn of Hastings, IA, Kade Frink of Houston, TX, Justina Vaughn Reeves & Denny of Glenwood, IA, Kole Frink of Plano, TX, Kaylyn Frink Millard & Ryan of Frisco, TX, Drew Taylor of San Marcos, TX, and Reid Taylor of McKinney, TX; brother, Danny Taylor & Mickey of Broken Arrow, OK; nephews/nieces Danny Paul Taylor of Hastings, IA, Danielle Taylor Devine & Tom of Princeton, NJ, Jimmy John Taylor of Hastings, IA, Troy Taylor of Tremonton, UT, Jason Lovejoy & Dana of Corvallis, OR, Jill Lovejoy & John of Woodland Park, CO; aunt Carol Jean Moulds & Art of Webster City, IA; sister- in- law Nancy Taylor of Lincoln, NE, brother- in -law Bob Lovejoy of Divide, CO, Goddaughter Jaylee Meyer, and many cousins.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; infant grandson, Zachary James-Taylor Frink; brother, Darrell Edward Taylor; and sister- in-law, Darlene Marie Judah Taylor.