December 25, 1928 – June 23, 2022
Russell Noel Taylor of Longmont, Colorado passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at his home. Russ was born in Topeka, Kansas on December 25, 1928. He exemplified the wonderful qualities one would expect from a Christmas baby, as anyone who knew him can attest. As Russ’s son Joe expressed it, “If you knew him, you knew. If you didn’t, well, he was one of the greatest men I ever knew. He loved, he laughed, he created, he built, he taught, he cared, he rescued, he worked hard, he knew things not many people knew. He was always there for us, and he left us with a great number of gifts and abilities. Most of all he was kind and lovable and just a joy to be around.”
Russ, fondly referred to as “Noel” by family early in his life, grew up in Kansas with his beloved parents, Russell Alexander Taylor and Zella Marie Taylor, and his beloved sisters, Betty Geiser and Viva Swalwell. Once he was grown, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Kansas State University. Upon graduating, Russ’s father informed him that he no longer needed to look for a job—he had been drafted into the United States Army. Russ then served at Fort Knox in Kentucky from 1950-1952. It was there that he met his adored wife of 66 years, Melvina B. Taylor. They were married in December of 1952 and began welcoming their four children into the world in 1954. Russell remained a devoted and loving husband until Mel’s passing in 2019. He was a supportive and loving father of his children Susan Reuter, Alan Taylor, Joe Taylor, and Tia Taylor to the end.
After living in Kansas City, Kansas and Tulsa, Oklahoma, Russ’s career in aerospace saw him bringing his young family to Littleton, Colorado in 1961 where he initially worked for Martin Marietta. Russ then secured a position with Ball Aerospace and relocated to Boulder, Colorado in 1963; he and Mel maintained a home in Boulder for the next 54 years. A man of quiet yet profound faith, Russ was a valued congregation member of First United Methodist Church and served as an usher for many years.
In addition to his successful career in aerospace, Russ had many talents and interests. He created and built handsome furniture for his home as well as several pairs of beautifully designed, dynamic speakers. His carpentry work and speakers continue to be used and treasured by his children. Russ enjoyed playing golf and spent as much time on the course as he could. Russ also valued spending time with his wife, children, and friends, and he was known for a quick wit and a ready laugh. He was beloved by many.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, and granddaughter Tess Taylor. He is survived by his four children, his three grandchildren—Christopher Reuter, Elissa Reuter, and Evan Reuter—and his great-granddaughter Michelle Taylor.
A Celebration of Life service and reception for Russ will be held Thursday, July 7, 2022, beginning at 11:00 am, at Christ Mortuary. Inurnment will follow at 1:30 pm in Mountain View Memorial Park. Memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church.
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