Roy Allen Taylor
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Roy Allen Taylor passed away on Tuesday, August 18, at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living. He was 88. Details for a memorial service on Saturday, August 29, are below.
Born on February 23, 1932, in Red Rock, Texas, to James Cleveland Taylor and Zula Mae (Starr) Taylor, Roy was the second youngest of seven children—two brothers and four sisters. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 64 years, Bonnie Marie (Pippert), who passed away in March 2018.
Roy enjoyed a full and meaningful life. During the Korean War he served in the U.S. Navy on the destroyer tender U.S.S. Piedmont as a deep-sea diver. He was honorably discharged on May 28, 1954 with the rank of Boatswain’s Mate First Class. From his discharge in San Diego he drove cross country and 21 days later married Bonnie in Lawrence, where they lived the rest of their lives.
He was supervisor of Painting & Signwriting at the University of Kansas before he and Bonnie opened Cross Reference inspirational bookstore and Roy’s Creative Framing in 1971. His framing shop and art gallery expanded and was a fixture in Lawrence for the next 25 years.
Roy was prominent in coaching youth baseball, winning several South Park league championships and coaching the American Legion B Team. He also led the Plymouth Congregational church slo-pitch team—the Plymouth Rocks—to three state championships and participation in two national tournaments.
In addition to sports, Roy had other active interests: Fishing, gardening and raising Irish Setters and Golden Retrievers. He and Bonnie were also members of Plymouth Congregational and Free Methodist churches.
Survivors include a son, Loren, and his wife, Susan, of California, Maryland, and their son, JC, of Los Angeles; and a daughter, Lianne, her husband, Dallas, and their daughter, Elise, all of Denver. The family expresses its gratitude to Angela Signor, who provided personal care to both Roy and Bonnie in recent years.
A memorial service will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, 1517 E. 15th St., in Lawrence at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 29. With social distancing in place, and masks required, family and friends are welcome to attend in person or while listening to the service from their vehicles on a radio station provided by Warren McElwain Mortuary.
Dear Taylor Family,
Sending my thoughts and prayers your way. I feel so blessed to have known your dear dad and mom. They both will forever hold a special place in my heart. Loved getting to enjoy them through our LFM church connect group. They were such a gracious couple to host us in their home quite often. I remember one time in particular that Roy showed me his “man cave” downstairs and shared pictures and memorabilia and told me all about the many happy memories of his life. Such a sweet, sweet man who dearly loved his children, grandchildren, and his precious Bonnie. Safe travels to Lawrence and may each of you feel God’s peace and comfort.
Taylor family:
I was sorry to hear of Roy’s passing, but grateful for the chance to remember our encounters in the mid- to late-70’s. The Cross Reference store was a great resource for all of us in our college Bible study, and I appreciated his gracious and conscientious approach to a retail ministry that served the churches. Roy was also a fierce competitor on the church softball field, but he always played honorably and treated us “young bucks” with respect, probably more than we deserved. I pray that God will be especially close to you during this season of grieving, and that his love for you will be more evident as you draw close to the Savior to find comfort that is more than these words can supply.
Because of Jesus,
Dr. Barry Foster
Roy, may you rest in peace.
Dear Family,
Roy was a very special man and I am blessed to have had him in my life. Bonnie called me her Sister in Christ and Roy called me his Friend. I will be forever greatful for the love that we shared for each other. Thank you family for the love and support you gave all of us here in good Ol’ Kansas! Rock Chalk! Angela
I was fortunate to play for Roy back when he was winning championships in the South Park League. He was not just a great coach. He cared more about the players’ welfare and character as young men than he did about winning or losing (and he liked to win). He helped pull me up when I needed it, and he made a positive difference in his players’ lives. My condolences to Loren and Lianne.
Dear Taylor Family,
Casey and I wish to express our deepest condolences. Roy lived a full life as reflected also in his family.
Tom and Casey Livingston