Edwin Lafayette Taylor

Edwin Lafayette Taylor, born the son of Robert Henry Taylor and Bernice Cheek Taylor on Saturday, January 14, 1928 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania died on Monday, September 29, 2014 at 86 years of age. In 1945 Edwin enlisted in the United States Army and served in the 289th Army Ground Forces Band in Yokohama during the Occupation of Japan after WW II, playing concerts, marching music and Sousa marches for new arrivals. After his enlistment he returned to Ann Arbor and continued with his music playing in Detroit on evenings and weekends to play in various nightclubs. H also had worked as a supervisor for many years and retired from the Xerox Corporation. After befriending Jack Tobias, a friendship that endured until his death; he became a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor where the sermons and the music pulled him towards the church. He joined the churches marches to City Hall in the Civil Rights movement and as his faith strengthened he became a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church and was very active as a Deacon in the class of 1973, and elder in the class of 1978 and an usher for over 40 years. Edwin’s greeting and smile was often the first thing visitors would see at the church. He will be affectionately remembered for his fondness of music and cats, his service to others and the great love he had for his church where his mortal remains will be laid to rest. The last of his generation his brother; Robert and sister; Audrey preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his longtime friend; Jack Tobias, two nephews; Richard and Robert and extended family members. He leaves many friends who are left to celebrate his life but especially the Donaldson family whom Edwin considered to be his family through deep friendship. A celebration of his life will be at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday November 9, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor with parking in the Forest Ave., Parking Structure. Those desiring may offer donations to the First Presbyterian Church Sacred Music Fund. Please visit www.muehligannarbor.com to share a story about Edwin.