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ROBERT TAYLOR, Obituary

CHINOOK Robert A. "Bob" Taylor, 81, of Chinook died at his home on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2002.

Committal services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Kuper Memorial Cemetery with military honors. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the Masonic Temple in Chinook.

Bob was born on July 21, 1921, in Fulton, Kan., to Sheldon and Katie (Austin) Taylor. He graduated from Fulton High School in 1939 and went on to attend Fort Scott Junior College before moving to Montana, where he attended Northern Montana College in Havre. Shortly after he transferred to Helena Aviation School and worked toward an aircraft and engine license. He later graduated from the Air-Intelligence Post Graduate School in Pensacola, Fla., and was a certified flight instructor.

He joined the Navy in 1942 and continued his passion for aircraft. He completed flight school that began in Bozeman and was continued in Pasco Wash., and Corpus Christi, Texas, where he received his wings. He flew Gruman Hellcats. He served as a fighter pilot stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Langley in the South Pacific. He was released from active service in December 1945, but was called back in May 1951 to serve with his old group in the Korea War. They were stationed on the USS Philippine Sea and flew F4 U-4 Corsairs under the United Nations flag. After the war, he was a primary flight instructor in Pensacola, Fla., and served as an air-intelligence officer. He was discharged as a lieutenant commander in 1953. He continued flying his own planes and served as president of the Montana Pilot's Association. After being discharged from the Navy he returned to Chinook where he sold automobiles. In 1965, he moved to Choteau and owned and operated Teton Motors until 1971, when he returned to Chinook as part owner of Taylor Motor Co.

He married Dorothy Neibauer in 1945.

He was past master of the Masonic Lodge and received his 50-year pin. He also served on the advisory board of both the Rainbow Girls and DeMolay Boys, was a member of the Eastern Star, and was a lifetime member of Elks Lodge.

During his retirement years his love of flying continued. He loved his grandchildren and served as their taxi driver and luncheon cook. He also enjoyed sports and sat in the same spot at home games to watch his grandchildren play basketball and volleyball.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Ferald Taylor.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; daughter, Susan (Ed) Erskine; three grandchildren; brother, Ernest (Ternie) Taylor of Chinook; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arrangements are by Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook.

 

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