Robert F. Taylor

Robert Franklin Taylor, the oldest son of Franklin (Frank) and Bernice (Mitchell) Taylor, was born on January 25, 1945, in Matewan WV. He passed away of Billings Clinic on December 12, 2022.

Bob attended qrade school in a coal mining town near Matewan. His fomily then moved to Niagara Falls NY, where he started junior high. Soon his father moved the family to Ohio, and then to Carlsbad NM , where Bob attended high school.

On his 17th birthday Bob enlisted in the Navy -- he wisely agreed with his mother that being in the military ensured a better future for him than continuing the course he was on. He repeatedly expressed his deep gratitude for the time he spent serving his country, and said those were the years that helped

him grow up. Bob served two and a half tours of duty aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, just off the coast of Vietnam . His Navy years were colorful and distinguished; he earned many medals and commendations.

After leaving the Navy, Bob settled in Stockton CA, where his parents had purchased a home. There he met and married his first wife, Linda, and they had three children: Valerie, Tara and Bobby.

Bob served with distinction as a police officer for many years in Stockton and San Diego, making many friends while he served, including his best friend, Steve Jarrett.

Anyone who knew Bob loved his smile. Conversations with him usually included being treated to a story or two- sometimes sad, but often humorous. He especially loved telling about his experiences as a California cop.

In 2015 Bob won the hand of his dearest friend, Marilyn, and they were married that December. Together they had endless conversations, laughed over stories, enjoyed family , went to the Chokecherry Festival in Lewistown every year, and over time they were blessed to be part of First Christian Church.

Starting last year, they fought Bob's cancer. His faith in Jesus grew stronger during those hard months, as he and Marilyn and Ryan depended on the Lord for everything. In December Marilyn and Bob were together when he entered Life.

It’s a gift to be able to start a conversations with just about anyone, and Bob had that gift. He brightened the lives of friends and family with his ability to share his life experiences and stories over a simple cup of coffee. His friends and family will miss his smile and his ability to keep life simple with his humor and funny stories; he made a positive difference in the lives of just about everyone he knew. Bob was proud of his service in law enforcement and in the military and fulfilled both commitments with honor.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Tara. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn; his sister Jeanie, and his brother Benjamin; his daughter Tara’s three children; his daughter Valerie and her two children; his son Bobby; his dearly loved step-kids: Ryan, Joe, Emily, Katie, and Natalie and their families.

Memorial Graveside will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 1:00 pm in the Lewistown City Cemetery. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.