Raymond Thomas Taylor

Raymond Thomas Taylor

Raymond Thomas Taylor, 90, of Beaumont, passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2016. He was born on July 27, 1926, to Sadie Mattar Ojile Taylor and Ceade Y. Taylor, in Wichita, Kansas. Mr. Taylor received his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wichita and worked as an engineer for DuPont for twenty-eight years before retiring.  Raymond was a United States Army Air Corps/Air Force veteran having served during World War II.

Ray lived his life to the fullest devoting his time to his wife, children and his hobbies. He was an outstanding scout leader hosting numerous campouts with both sons becoming eagle scouts and himself receiving a distinguished wood badge. While working in the Middle East and Europe, he ensured his family experienced the pleasures of traveling the world experiencing international life and the educational opportunities that came with it. Dancing was a passion for him and he spoke many times of he and his wife, Wanda, dancing across Europe.  He was also a member of the square dancing league in Beaumont of which he had many friends.

Ray’s devotion to church was such that he was simultaneously a member of St Anthony’s Cathedral Basilica and St. Anne’s Catholic Church serving as a member of the men’s group, usher, and with various other support groups.  He was also a member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church where he escorted Wanda and family to services and other events.

Those left to admire Ray’s beautiful memory include his sons, Richard T. Taylor and his wife Myrna of Spring, Texas, and Raymond G. Taylor and his wife Susie, of Humble, Texas; daughter, Soliel Taylor of Bastrop, Texas; and daughter Mary Patricia Barber and her husband Jeff, of Denver, Colorado; ten grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A gathering of Mr. Taylor’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 5, 2017, at St Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson, Beaumont. His graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 6, 2017, at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ray’s name to Boy Scouts of America, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, Irving, TX 75015 or St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, P.O. Box 3309, Beaumont, TX 77704