Bernard William Taylor, Sr.

Born on January 26, 1934, in Washington, D.C, he was the oldest of three boys. At the age of 19, he joined the United States Air Force, embarking on a distinguished 20-year military career. As a pilot and the captain of the KC-135 Stratotanker, he flew missions around the world with honor, skill, bravery and an unwavering commitment to service of his country and crew. His military journey was honored through many medals including the Bronze Star and he served seven, one-year tours of duty in Vietnam during his 20-year career. One of his missions is documented and taught at the Air Force Academy under “Courage” and how he saved two fighter jets and their crews over Vietnam hostile territory by having the courage to make the right decisions under extreme distress to achieve his mission. Bernie honorably retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel and loves the US Military, being a pilot and serving his country and his fellow members of the military.

During his military service, he met his wife, Joan (Kent), while he was on assignment in Puerto Rico. After a sweet courtship, they were married on August 16, 1958 and started their life together. Their family grew over the years with the arrival of three boys and one girl, Bill, Kary, Chris and Tara. When the Air Force sent them to Abilene at Dyess Air Force base, they found roots and lived there for 55 years.

A devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Abilene, Bernie gave generously of his time and heart. He served in several leadership roles, including the Pastoral Care Council, and was known for his thoughtful guidance and deep commitment to the spiritual well-being of others. He also enjoyed the outdoors and being a Scoutmaster to his three sons who all became Eagles Scouts. However, his only daughter Tara was the apple of his eye. He also became well-known for being a big fan of the Cooper Cougars Football team by standing in front of the parent’s section, blowing an air horn, and spelling out C-O-U-G-A-R-S with his body and arms! The football team loved Bernie so much that they built him a stand so he could rally the parents at all the games!

After retiring from the Air Force, Bernie continued his life of service in Abilene, Texas, where he was a certified financial planner and sold insurance for The Equitable Life Company. Married for nearly 67 years to Joan, their marriage was a beautiful example of enduring love and faith. Together, they built a strong family foundation grounded in values that Bernie held dear: faith, family, integrity, honor, compassion, and serving his community.

Bernie is survived by his loving wife, Joan, their children Bill (wife Monica), Kary (wife Juli), Chris (wife Wendy), and Tara (husband Todd), 9 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren, who all loved their “Pop” very much, and his brother Thomas Taylor. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Taylor Storch, his brother, Murry, and his parents Thomas and Lillian Taylor and his mother and father-in-law Doug and Ione Kent.

Rosary and Funeral Mass services celebrating Bernie’s life and faith will be held on Wednesday, May 21, beginning with the Rosary at 1:30 pm and funeral mass beginning at 2 pm, at St. Joseph's Village, located at 1203 East Sandy Lake Coppell, TX 75019. The burial will be held Thursday morning, May 22 at 10:15 am at DFW National Cemetery located at 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to be made in Bernie’s memory to Holy Family Catholic Church in Abilene, Taylor's Gift Foundation, or a charity of your choice.