John Howard Randall Taylor

John Howard Randall Taylor of Indianapolis died unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 7th, 2026, at the age of 73.

Born in Syracuse, NY, he was a lifelong Indianapolis resident. He graduated from North Central High School, earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, and later received an M.B.A. from Indiana University.

Those who had the pleasure of playing cards with John knew he would often “shoot the moon” in Hearts. That same optimism and sense of adventure permeated his life, and he had big, bold visions of how beautiful life could be. He took epic road trips with family and traveled the world with his beloved wife, Marcy. A devoted grandfather, John shared his curiosity and the skills he learned as an Eagle Scout -- identifying trees and birds, building fires, and taking walks in the woods. He loved welcoming friends and family into his home, whether deep frying turkey for large Thanksgiving gatherings, making crepes for grandchildren, or putting his French cooking classes to the test at dinner parties. He even kept the local wildlife well fed with over 40 bird feeders in his yard.

John transformed and led several businesses, first in fluid power distribution and later in the staffing industry. He loved building teams and viewed his work as a way to care for people and support their growth. Through his working relationships, he became a

staunch advocate for immigrant justice. His professional achievements and principled leadership were recognized by Sigma Chi Fraternity with the Significant Sig award. John was also an active community leader. He served on the boards of Sycamore School and Friends of Holliday Park, as Clerk-Treasurer for the Town of Meridian Hills, as a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization, and as a trustee of the Indiana Chapter of the Nature Conservancy.

Above all, John was a loving and beloved husband, father, grandparent, brother, and friend. All who knew him will remember his kindness and generous spirit.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Marcy Taylor, children Lauren Taylor (Etta Smith), Chris Taylor (Carolyn Fallert), Lisa Spalding, Kerry Spalding (Jason Kidd), grandchildren Miguel Spalding-Price (Mariangel), Mariana Price, Nicolas Spalding-Price, Raisa Spalding-Price, Max Spalding-Kidd, Sam Spalding-Kidd, and siblings Priscilla Taylor (Adam Garfinkle), Joseph Taylor (Patt), and Helen Taylor (Dean Bolton). He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Jean Taylor and daughter Sara Spalding.

A Memorial Service will be held at First Friends Church at 3030 Kessler Boulevard East Drive in Indianapolis on Saturday October 24th. Calling hours will be from 11am to 1pm with the service immediately following.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Nature Conservancy, Huntington’s Disease Society of America, or the Indianapolis Immigrant Welcome Center.