Remembering the life of Jack R. Taylor (2024)

11/13/1922 - 2/23/2013
Keith & Keith Funeral Home
YAKIMA - Jack W. R. Taylor passed away in his sleep at the grand age of 90 on February 23, 2013, at Cottage in the Meadow in Yakima, Washington. Jack was born in Prosser, Washington on November 13, 1922, to Claude and Mary (Langevin) Taylor. Jack was very proud of his family heritage. His paternal great grandfather, George S. Taylor, was one of the first homesteaders in Selah in the 1860's. His paternal grandfather, E.W.R. Taylor, was one of the pioneers of Prosser in 1890, and his maternal grandfather, Raoul Langevin, was a pioneering hop farmer in Moxee in the 1890's. Jack grew up in Prosser, a community that always remained special to him as he had many lifelong friends and memories there.
After graduating from Prosser High School, Jack attended Washington State College (WSU) before enlisting in the Marine Air Corps where he proudly served from 1942-45. As a 1st Lieutenant, Jack flew C-47's in the Pacific Theatre during WWII, flying behind enemy lines from Honolulu to Iwo Jima, carrying the wounded, supplies, and blood to the troops. After WWII, Jack returned to Prosser to work with his father Claude Taylor at Taylor Motor Company which later became Hall Chevrolet. In 1947 Jack married Betty Matsen from Bickleton, Washington. Together they raised two daughters Connie and Gayle. After leaving the car business in 1955, Jack bought grain elevators on the Columbia River and stored government grain at Alderdale for 5 years until John Day Dam was built and flooded that area. Jack then entered into the union oil distribution business where he owned bulk oil plants in Sunnyside, Prosser and Toppenish until retirement in 1981.
His loving wife Betty of 35 years passed away in 1982. A new chapter began for Jack when he married Lois Meiser from Sunnyside in 1983. Together they blended their families and enjoyed 30 years of marriage. During that time they travelled around the country in their motorhome and spent many winters as snowbirds playing golf in Arizona. In 1998 Yakima became their full time home so they could be closer to their family. Jack continued to be active and involved in Yakima until his death. Golf was always a passion for him, partly because of the game, but mostly because of the many people he met at the Yakima Country Club. Since 1947, Jack was a Rotarian in the Prosser, Sunnyside and Yakima clubs, serving as President of the Prosser Rotary club in 1955 and continuing to attend Yakima Rotary Club meetings until the time of his death.
Jack "never met a stranger" because of his gregarious personality, quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. This was evident whether he was playing the electric organ, working out at a local gym or serving with his wife Lois as a hospice volunteer. Jack and Lois shared not only activities and interests but also a deep love for the Lord. Jack was a member of First Presbyterian Church where they attended regularly and volunteered. His men's small Bible study group provided him with support, blessed friendships and a growing love for the Lord.
For Jack's immediate and extended family, he will always be remembered as the loving patriarch who was encouraging, supportive and interested in everyone. We all know that for him, his greatest accomplishment was the legacy of his family. He taught us all that "love of family" is the greatest gift that one generation can pass to another. Jack is survived by his loving wife Lois. His heritage continues in the lives of his 6 children, 11 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren: Connie and Joe Farina, Tony and Karla Farina (Zachary), Janelle and Brad Stewart (Cy, Kase), Angela Farina; Gayle and Bob Hall, Jaclyn and Jason Midkiff (Jack), Kristin and Wes Jones, Erica and Josh Meadows; Diane and Glen Williams, Jennifer and Lance Hepworth (Braden, Ethan), Johnny Williams; Cindy and Maurice Peugh, Lindsey Peugh, Chris and Krista Hays (Christine, Cheyanne, Chance); Clint and Val Hays (Carson, Charlie Blu, Dallas, Damien); Steve and Gloria Meiser, Steven and Leah Meiser (Joshua, Samantha); Sylvia and Bruce Kirkham, Clayton and Michelle Kirkham, Contessa Allen. He was looking forward to the arrival of 4 new great grandsons this spring. He is also survived by his 2 nephews, Steve Matsen, Marc and Deanna Matsen, and one niece, Ann (Matsen) and Gary Russell, and their children.
His family would like to thank the staff of Landmark Care Center for their compassionate care and rehabilitation. Memorials in Jack's name can be made to First Presbyterian Church or Cottage in the Meadow in care of Keith and Keith Funeral Home who is entrusted with the arrangements.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 1, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Yakima. A family graveside interment will be held that morning.
To celebrate the life of Jack and share a memory visit www.keithandkeith.com.

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Published on March 28, 2022