Richard I. Taylor

June 25, 1948-June 8, 2011

BEAVER CITY, Nebraska -- Richard I. Taylor, 62, died Wednesday (June 8, 2011) at his home after a yearlong battle with cancer.

He was born June 25, 1948, in Norton, Kansas to Cecil and Helen (Perkins) Taylor. He grew up in the Precept, Nebraska area and graduated from Beaver City High School with the class of 1966. Following graduation, he attended the University of Nebraska School of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, Nebraska where he received an associate's degree.

He entered the U.S. Army on March 12, 1969, serving his tour of duty in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged June 8, 1971, and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals for his service. He returned to the Curtis area following his discharge and worked for the Roscoe Carr family.

He married Donna Hanes in 1972, and to this union four children were born. In 1974, they moved to Alma, Nebraska where he worked as a mechanic and helped on the family farm. The family returned to the Precept area in the late 1970s.

He began his 22 year career with the United States Postal Service in 1984. After retirement, he continued to farm with his son, Mike, in the Precept area.

He was a member of Faith Community Church, former Post Commander of the VFW, and a member of the American Legion Post No. 28. He also belonged to Rural Letter Carriers Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Abigail Reiser; two nephews, Brad Holmes and Anthony Grothen; and special friend, Mary Jo Dutton.

Survivors include his son, Michael and wife, Jodi Taylor of Beaver City; daughters, Lisa and husband, Larry Reiser of Sidney, Nebraska, Angie and husband, Kyle Woodring of Beaver City, and Natalie and husband, Cody Linner of Norton, Kansas; brother, Elvin and wife, Joyce Taylor of Syracuse, Nebraska; sisters, Joyce and husband, Clair Holmes of Hershey, Nebraska, Dorothy and husband, Gene Beck of Knoxville, Tennessee, Arlene and husband, Jim Cross of North Platte, Nebraska, and Leta and husband, Dennis Grothen of Hastings, Nebraska; eight grandchildren; and good friend, Nancy Long of Arapahoe, Nebraska.

Funeral services are Monday, 10 a.m., at Faith Community Church in Beaver City with the Rev. Dwain Fowler officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Precept Cemetery in rural Beaver City.

Viewing and visitation is Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 1-8 p.m., at Wenburg Funeral Home in Beaver City, and prior to services Monday at the church.

Condolences or personal reflections may be left at www.wenburgfuneralhome.com.

Wenburg Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.