Douglas Jerome Taylor

Doug Taylor, 54, of Fort Smith passed away November 13, 2010 at River Valley Health and Rehabilitation, from complications due to his long battle with cancer. His career as a Managerial Executive for such companies as Wal-Mart and Marshall’s, allowed him to live in many states, but he always treasured his Fort Smith roots. He attended both St. Anne’s High School and Northside High School and took classes at UAFS when it was Westark. He had an insatiable appetite for water skiing, fishing and boating. His later passion became culinary arts and his home-cooked midnight suppers would rival the recipes of any Top Chef candidate. He did not believe in store-bought birthday cakes and created wonderful confections for his children’s Birthdays, even as they grew older. Before injury and illness took its toll, in his early years Doug was a sportsman of action with remarkable high energy and great enthusiasm for life. There was not a dare he wouldn’t take, a joke he couldn’t tell, a sport he wouldn’t try or a car he couldn’t drive. Family and friends will remember Doug for his devotion to faith and family. He often attended daily Mass at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and he spent hours at the Chapel of Perpetual Adoration at St. Boniface Church. Fifteen years ago Doug gave up the corporate lifestyle and returned to his beloved Fort Smith as a permanent resident. For several years he devoted his energy to his own business, a successful paint contracting company in which he demanded a meticulous standard of craftsmanship. He closed the business and retired due to a back injury in 1999. In spite of his physical impairment, he spent many years as care-giver and constant companion of his mother, Regina Chase, who passed away July 1st, 2010. As children he and his brothers enjoyed the adventures of a Fort Smith that was “small town” compared to what it is today.

He became the father of three children, Jennifer Taylor Ervin of Fort Smith, Justin Taylor of Portland, OR, and Ashley Taylor of Birmingham, AL all whom survive him. He is also survived by his sister, CharMaine R. Beleele, currently of Fort Smith and brothers, Kenneth J. Taylor of Redding, CA and Joe W. Taylor of Tulsa, OK. Although his natural father passed away when he was a child, he was devoted to his step father, Bob Chase who preceded him in death by 15 years. No man ever had more regard for his parents than Dough Taylor had for Regina and Bob Chase. His daughter Jennifer blessed him with three grandsons, Ashton, Maddox, and Drayke, and his role of grandfather became the joy of his last years. He was in their lives long enough to pass on his admirable generosity, his clever wit and his survivor’s legacy of courage in the face of adversity. As Thomas Campbell said, “To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

Rosary will be said on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 6:00 Pm in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel and Mass will be said on Friday, November 19, 2010 at 10:00 AM in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with burial to follow in the U.S. National Cemetery all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Justin, Joe, and Ken Taylor, and Austin Ervin.

The family will greet friends prior to and following the Rosary in Edwards Chapel.

To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com