Wayne Taylor

Franklin “Wayne” Taylor, age 86, of Columbia, MO, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2015 in Columbia. He was born on May 12, 1929 in Jacksonville, MO, the son of Tressie Lea (Powell) and Frank Taylor. He married Shirley Turner on May 9, 1953 in Moberly, MO.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley; daughters, Deborah (Steven) Fischgrabe, Karen (Bob) Schnetzler, Tammi (Jeff) Cook; grandchildren, Joel Fischgrabe, Katy Fischgrabe, Ashley Schnetzler, Andrea Schnetzler, Amy (Sean) Campbell, Cody Cook, Madison Cook and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters and brother-in-laws, Delores (Russell) Hicks, Dolly Margaret (Edgar) Wright and Mary Frances (Elmore “Tommy”) Roebuck; brother and sister-in-law, James B (Bernice) Taylor and three nieces.

After graduating from Macon High School in 1947, he worked on the railroad as a section hand then was drafted into the Army, serving in Korea and Japan from 1951 to 1953. Wayne attended Business College in Pueblo, CO and began working for Missouri Power and Light Co. in Moberly, MO after graduation. In 1963, Wayne secured a position with Union Electric (formerly Missouri Utilities) where he worked and promoted many times throughout his career. At retirement he was the District Superintendent of Ameren UE.

After retiring from Union Electric in 1991, Wayne volunteered with the National Park Services and spent six months each year in Grand Teton National Park. In 1992, Wayne’s health required triple bypass surgery which left him wanting to volunteer with Boone Hospital’s greeter program after his recovery. As a greeter he was a front line ambassador for all that visited the hospital. Wayne was also involved with the Columbia Downtown Optimists Club since 1984, serving as co-manager of the Biscayne Mall Christmas tree lot, served as president of the club and helped with the food stand at the Salute to Veterans air show. Wayne has been an active member of Memorial Baptist Church since moving to Columbia in 1963. He served his Lord as a church deacon, Sunday School teacher, youth mission trip chaperone, Vacation Bible School leader, summer camp sessions volunteer leader at Camp Cedarcrest, to name a few, but he never denied an opportunity to serve his Lord. He was always willing to roll up his sleeves and do whatever task he felt led to do. He accepted every challenge joyfully expecting no accolades in return. Wayne was a humble servant.

In more recent years, when his health allowed, he volunteered at the local Shepherd’s Basket Food Bank, enjoyed singing in the Sages Adult Choir at his church, and was able to travel back to his beloved Tetons during the summer of 2012. One of the last things left on his “Bucket List” was to journey with the Central Missouri Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. on May 28, 2015. Wayne was never one to discuss his service in the military; however, anticipating and experiencing this journey brought out an innate sense of pride for his sacrifice in serving his country. He was honored.

Wayne’s life exemplified the true meaning of integrity, of honor and of honesty and he has influenced not only his family, but everyone that has been blessed to know him throughout his life. His legacy will live on for generations to come.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at Memorial Baptist Church, Visitation will be held two hours prior, from 10:00-12:00, at the church. Burial will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Coyote Hill, 9501 W. Coyote Hill Rd., Harrisburg, MO 65256.