Frank R Taylor Jr.

Frank Robert Taylor Jr. was born March 21, 1928 in Whitefield New Hampshire. He passed away on July 15, 2016 in Merced, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Alice Taylor and his infant son, John Jeffrey Taylor. Frank lived in Merced and Atwater for over 50 years. Frank joined the Army Air corps at 17 and jumped to the Air Force when it was formed. When he was first stationed at Castle he met his wife Marie on a blind date. They began their journey as a career Air Force family. After serving close to 25 years in the Air Force he decided the only place to retire was to come back to Atwater. Frank was not one to just retire so he found a new career with California State Automobile Association and became a sales agent for another 24 years before completely retiring. One could never say that he fully retired because he continued to be active in many service organizations in the community. One could never say he just joined these clubs. He was a true leader and involved for many years. He was a Mason over 50 years, a Shriner, member of the American Legion, Merced Trade Club, Castle Air Museum, and a charter member of the Castle Atwater Kiwanis. He held many positions in Kiwanis from club president, Lt. Governor of his district twice, to Governor of the California Nevada Hawaii district, the largest of all Kiwanis districts. Even after all of his positions held in Kiwanis were finished he continued on as a consultant, team builder, and worked throughout the state opening new clubs. He was also a member of the Merced County Planning Commission. You could also always find him at most events at the Italo American Hall.

He loved to travel and wasn’t one to sit still. He and Marie enjoyed several cruises, trips to Europe, Russia, and the family traveled extensively throughout the United States. The family could go anywhere and they were bound to run into someone who knew him. He made friends wherever he went and his home was always open to soldiers who were away from home to join the family for a good meal and company. He enjoyed many adventures on the road. He knew every back woods trail and every shortcut and interstate so that he was certain to always make good time. He loved his family and friends and often opened his home to share hospitality with others. If you were a friend of his you knew you had a bed to sleep in and place at the table. He was an avid sports fan. Being from New Hampshire, he followed the Boston Braves to Milwaukee, to Atlanta. He followed the Boston Celtics. In football, Frank was a diehard Raider Fan. He had season’s tickets for years. He enjoyed going to the games with family and friends and shared his love of sports with 4 generations of sports fans.

Frank is survived by his wife Marie Taylor of 66 years, his daughter Laurie Taylor of Riverbank, CA, son Bob Taylor of Salida, CA and son Brian, and his wife Denise, Taylor of Merced, CA. He was fortunate to see all three of his children grow to be successful adults. He had four grandchildren, Jason (Michelle) Taylor, Janey (Matt) Jennings, Hannah Taylor, and Mark Taylor all of whom he loved dearly. His great granddaughters, Katelyn Taylor, Faith Jennings, Megan Taylor, and Celeste Jennings were his pride and joy.