Richard "Dick" Glenn Taylor

Richard "Dick" Glenn Taylor, age 100, of Mansfield died peacefully in his home Thursday, January 5, 2017, two months after the passing of his beloved wife, Helen. He lived his life devoted to his family, his work, and his community.

Born April 25, 1916 in Mansfield, Dick graduated from Mansfield Senior High where he played football and from Michigan State University where he studied Forestry and was in the ROTC/Cavalry Unit. He said his Cavalry horse was really a mule that did not like him. Always keen for adventure, upon graduating college in 1938, Dick took a job in Missoula, Montana, with the forest service as a fire lookout and firefighter, spending most of his time in fire lookout towers. After two years, Dick hitchhiked his way home to Ohio and, along the way, encountered a bear. As he slept under a bag of food that was strung in a tree, he suddenly woke to find a bear staring inches away from his face. Naturally, he fainted out cold, much to the delight of Dick’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren who heard his bear-story retellings over the years.

Upon returning to Ohio, Dick married his college sweetheart, Helen Finik. They were married for 75 years and raised six children. A cherished father, grandfather and great-grandfather, through example, Dick leaves a legacy to live life generously and purposefully.

With an unwavering work ethic of nearly 8 decades, Dick joined his father, Glenn, at Taylor Plating, steering the company through several expansions to form Taylor Industries. He continued working up until New Year's. An advocate of local manufacturing, Dick was instrumental in bringing Newman Technology to Mansfield.

Throughout his life, Dick was recognized for his community service and leadership, philanthropy, and business acumen, but, perhaps one of the most meaningful, was his Boy Scout Eagle Award. He remained active in scouting for many years, serving both troops and council. Other community interest included Progress Industries and the Mansfield-YMCA. A nationally respected philatelist, Dick collected and sold stamps his entire life. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church.

Dick is survived by his children, Rick (Carol) Taylor, Mansfield; Mary Jo (Jim) Hull, Mansfield; Kay (Fred) Fathe, Phoenix, AZ; Mark (Louise) Taylor, Mansfield; and Scott (JoAnn) Taylor, Mansfield. In addition to his children, Dick is survived by 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren: Brent Taylor and family, Cindi Furlong, Isaac and Elsa, Mansfield; Josh (Jen) Taylor and children, Owen, Nathan and Polly, Mansfield; Sarah (Mike) Warren and children, Grant and Connor, Denver, CO; Matt (Tabitha) Hull and children, Alyssa and Abi, Mansfield; Kyle Hull, Columbus; Aaron (Julia) Fathe, and daughter, Emilia, Phoenix, AZ; Kristin (Matt) Pfeiffer, Austin, TX; Justin (Myca) Taylor and children, Layla and Lennon, Mansfield; Leah Taylor, Mansfield; Samuel Taylor, Mansfield; and Sylvia Taylor, Mansfield; and grand-dogs, Pippa and Lucille.

Along with his wife, Helen, Dick was preceded in death by his son, Jon in 2013; his parents, Glenn and Leah Taylor; and his brothers, Howard and Wayne.

The Taylor Family wishes to thank long-time caregivers and friends, Dr. Bruce Jackson, Reverend David Sipes, and Peggy Snyder for their kindness and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mansfield-Area Y, Raemelton Therapeutic Riding Center or Grace Episcopal Church.

Once asked by a young grandchild what animal he would like to be, Dick responded without hesitation, "a dog, as everyone likes dogs". Everyone liked Dick Taylor…… His handshake was crushingly unforgettable through his final days…

A private family service will be followed by a Celebration of Life on Friday, January 20, 2017 from 5:00 -8:00 p.m. at the Life Celebration Reception Center, 129 South Main Street, Mansfield.

Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family of Richard Glenn Taylor.