Gerald Edward Taylor

Gerald Edward Taylor, 82, of Orange, passed away on September 3, 2019, in Orange, Texas.

Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 7, in the Slade Chapel at First United Methodist Church, in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Lani Rousseau. Burial will follow at 4:00 p.m. at Sardis Cemetery in Hughes Springs, Texas.

Born in Hughes Springs, Texas, on May 10, 1937, he was the son of Reece H. Taylor and Lucille (Brown) Taylor. Gerald was a graduate of Texas Christian University. He was a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and spent his entire professional career providing anesthesia to thousands of patients for their surgical procedures. He was an ardent and enthusiastic golfer and served as a board member of Sunset Grove Country Club. He also was a loving grandfather to his grandchildren, taking trips with them to Arkansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Louisiana, and other destinations. He was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Orange since 1973. Gerald was a compassionate and loving man, donating his time, effort, and energy to patients with occasional home visits when needed. Gerald was an avid gardener and loved cultivating new species. He loved growing many varieties of plants and flowers, giving away their cuttings to others who appreciated his love for botany. He was an exceptional father and wonderful provider. He taught his children, and subsequently his grandchildren, to always do the right thing. “GT”, as he was affectionately known by most or “Peeps” by his grandchildren, was also a sports enthusiast. He could be found in his cave watching basketball, baseball, golf, and Horned Frog Football. Gerald will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Reece and Lucille Taylor of Hughes Springs.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Judy Taylor; sons, Craig Taylor and wife Joycelyn of North Richland Hills, Texas, and Steve Taylor and wife Karen of Ft. Worth, Texas; grandchildren, Chase and Reece Taylor, Matthew Taylor, Lauren Taylor, and Nick Lisenbee; sister in law, Kathy Sleeper and husband Lee of Bullard, Texas; aunt, Daisy Brown Watson of Hughes Springs.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Keke’s Place, Susie, Tonie, Yolanda, and longtime family friend Margaret for their love and care during Dad’s challenges. Also special thanks to Altus Hospice for their efforts to keep Dad comfortable in his final days.

We would also like to offer a very special acknowledgement for the friendship of David Ess and his family. He loved playing golf with David on a regular basis and ‘adopted’ him as his local son after Steve and Craig had left for their own careers.

As an alternative to customary remembrances the family request donations to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at 225 North Michigan Avenue Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or the First United Methodist Church at 502 North Sixth St. Orange, Texas 77630.