Thomas "Red" Taylor, age 87, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021. Thomas was born October 15, 1934 in LaPorte, Indiana to the late Bonnie (Rogers) Taylor and Robert E. Taylor. Red attended Ball State before joining the US Army and serving in the 11th Airborne Division by providing a less than legitimate signature of his mother. During his service he wore the same jump hat for every jump and named it appropriately his "Go to Hell Hat". He would later earn his bachelor degree at Butler and then a Masters from Indiana University. Red worked in finance in various high level state government roles and then served as VP and Treasurer of Ivy Tech. He was a member of the American Legion Post 500. He was instrumental in saving the state from bankruptcy in 1970 and led the growth of Ivy Tech into the institution it is today. Red also was a tremendous and dedicated basketball coach. He impacted multitudes but most notably can claim 38 coaches, over 60 professional players, 89 Indiana All-Stars, 12 National Championships, and 12 Mr. Basketballs. Through his work, coaching, and leadership he was awarded 4 Sagamore of Wabash awards by both political parties.
Red is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Wray) Taylor; children, Cindy White, Robert "Rob" Taylor, and Terri Taylor; step children, Carrie Anderson, Joseph Wentworth, and James Wentworth; brother, Robert "Pat" Taylor; and grandchildren, Ashley Gardner, Alicia Gardner, Devan White, Garrett White, Taylor Barnes, Madison Barnes, Andrew Anderson, and Aria Anderson.
Vistation for Thomas will be held Sunday, November 28, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Family Funeral Care-Rockville West, 5791 Rockville Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana 46224, followed by Military Honors at 5:00 PM.
Contributions in Thomas' memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.familyfuneralcareindy.com for the Taylor family. 1-2-3 "TOGETHER"!
