Donald "Don" Mark Taylor

Donald “Don” Mark Taylor, 90, passed away October 7, 2026. Don was a beloved and cherished presence to his family and friends, and an inspirational example of how a life can be richly lived through loyalty, purpose, and the steady gift of showing up for others. Don resided in Montgomery, Alabama.

Born October 15, 1935, Don graduated from Garden City High School in Kansas in 1953, where he formed a lifetime friendship with Bim and Dianne Braddock. Don went on to attend Kansas State University, graduating in 1957, and became a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. It was there that he also met Bill Sinderson and the late Jack Kiddo. Along with Bim, the four became “the foursome,” bound by enduring friendship and a shared devotion to Kansas State sports—especially football and basketball. Proudly dressed in purple Kansas State attire, they made their allegiance unmistakable wherever they went.

After college, Don joined the Air Force and served nine years, flying the KC 97s and the KC 135s—both refueling aircraft. He later became a corporate pilot, beginning with Skelly Oil in Tulsa, Oklahoma, then flying for LTV in Dallas, Texas, and serving as chief pilot for Gulf United. After that, he flew for Budweiser—distributor of Houston, Texas. A flying job ultimately brought him to Montgomery, Alabama. Over the course of his corporate aviation career, Don flew 14 different aircraft, and his favorite was the Gulf Stream 3. His professionalism and skill placed him in remarkable company; he flew many famous people, including President Lyndon Johnson (two times), Barry Goldwater, Ross Perot, Neil Armstrong, Gene Autry, Marvin Davis, and the band Chicago. In 1993, Don began a new chapter by opening a Farmers Insurance Agency, continuing a life marked by dedication and steady service.

Friendship remained one of Don’s greatest callings. He was the glue for many friend groups—both local and out of state—planning trips, keeping people connected, and nurturing bonds that lasted across decades and distance. That devotion was deeply recognized by those who loved him, and it stands as one of the most inspirational legacies he leaves behind.

Don golfed from his early 20s, and his great love was golf—his “get-away therapy,” as he put it, because all he had to think about was hitting the ball. He made many close friends at Wynlakes Country Club and treasured the camaraderie that came with the game. Though spinal stenosis eventually ended his time on the course, he continued the tradition of connection, enjoying lunch with his golf friends every Thursday. With his trademark flair for naming things, he called them “the Played Out Boys Club.”

A raconteur and storyteller, Don had a gift for jokes and an impressive memory for them. So many of his jokes unfolded like stories. He could draw a crowd with ease, and his warmth made people want to linger and listen. He was also an avid reader—collecting books and reading on his kindle—especially detective mystery, though his interests ranged from history to fiction. He worked out and stayed active throughout his life, first as a runner and later favoring the elliptical and bike.

Don’s love for Kansas State ran even into the small details of home. He had two cats, Willie 1 and Willie 2, named after the Kansas State mascot—he joked that he couldn’t think of a second name—both of whom have gone to kitty heaven. He also adored FiFi “Lovie Las Vegas,” a toy poodle for Madeline and Don’s best friend, whose favorite place was in his lap. FiFi wears all purple accessories, including a blinged collar—an affectionate nod to Don’s lifelong purple pride.

Music also held a meaningful place in Don’s life. At Kansas State, he sang in an a capella choir, and later sang in church choir, occasionally offering solos. Wherever he lived, he made lifelong friends, and he remained close to friends in Florida and Kansas—another testament to the lasting, cherished connections he built over a lifetime.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Verle Taylor; sisters, Bev Henning and Erma Dillon; brother, Johnny Taylor, and late spouse, Sonja Taylor. He is survived by his loving wife, Madeline Jackson Taylor; his beautiful daughter, Pam Ramos (Jesse) of Wichita, Kansas; and his son, David Taylor of Woodland Park, Colorado. He is also survived by grandson Matt Henderson; granddaughters Taryn Bergen and Rabekah Taylor; great-grandchildren Diesel Bergen, Rylen Bergen, Revin Bergen, and Annalise Henderson; as well as a host of loving nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews who adored him, and cherished friends.

Visitation for Don will be held at St. James Church, 9045 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery, AL 36117, on October 14, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with a Memorial Service immediately following.

Donations in honor of Don may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Those who knew Don will remember a life shaped by devotion—to country, to family, to friends, and to the simple, sustaining joys that make a life whole. In every season, Don remained deeply cherished, widely beloved, and quietly inspirational.