Paul Taylor Jr.

Paul Taylor Jr. passed away peacefully on August 28, 2024, at Green House Living for Sheridan. Born on September 24, 1930, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Paul was the son of Paul Taylor, Sr., and Elsie (Neidl) Taylor. He grew up alongside his sister, Madelyn, and spent much of his childhood on the family farm in Ada, Kansas, under the care of his beloved grandparents, Ludwig and Johanna (Kramal) Neidl. It was on this farm that Paul developed the exemplary work ethic that would define his life, working closely with his grandfather from a young age.

At 17, Paul joined his mother in Denver, Colorado, and worked for Goodyear Tire and P.I.E. Trucking. In 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and trained as an aircraft and helicopter field maintenance mechanic. Paul served his country with distinction, deploying twice to Korea during the Korean War and once to Vietnam. While stationed in Denver, Paul met Verda Dinius, and the two were married on October 11, 1952, in Raton, New Mexico. The demands of Army life took them across the United States, where they welcomed three children: June in Chicago, IL, Calvin in Denver, CO, and Susan in San Pedro, CA. After 12 years of dedicated service, Paul was honorably discharged in 1964.

Following his discharge, Paul and Verda went their separate ways. Paul soon began a new chapter in his career, joining Dynalectron Corporation Land-Air Division as a supervisor of the Aircraft Maintenance section, supporting the Army Aviation Division at White Sands Missile Range, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. He remained in this role until 1968 when he relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado.

In Fort Collins, Paul embarked on a 50-year career with Toyota as a Master Technician, where his skills and expertise became legendary. It was here that he met Jean Bond, the love of his life. They married in February 1970 and shared 52 wonderful years together. Paul and Jean lived in Amarillo, Texas, and later in Sheridan, Wyoming, where Paul worked for Sheridan Ranch Supply, Sheridan Toyota, Sheridan Motors and in 1975 opened Sheridan Dynamometer Service as owner/operator. In 1987, they moved to Newbury Park, California, where Paul joined Thousand Oaks Toyota. Known for his exceptional ability to repair any engine, Paul continued to excel in his field, successfully passing multiple Master Skills Tests and ASE certifications. He retired at the remarkable age of 88 in 2018.

After Jean’s passing in June 2022, Paul returned to Sheridan to be closer to family. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and love.

Paul is survived by his children: June Beartusk (Terry) of Lame Deer, MT; Calvin Taylor (Mary Paquet) of Lansing, MI; Susan Koltiska (Doug) of Sheridan, WY and stepson Greg Bond (Joan) of Encinitas, CA. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jessica McClure of Littleton, CO; Melissa Gatley (Dan) of Laurel, MT; Jarad Koltiska (Olivia) of Sheridan, WY; Sara Hansen (Chris) of Sheridan, WY; Zoe Taylor (Chris) of Riverton, WY; Kenneth Beartusk of Bozeman, MT; Jonathan Taylor of Florida; and nine great-grandchildren.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the compassionate staff and nurses at Green House Living.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s memory can be made to Rooted in Wyoming, P.O. Box 382, Sheridan, WY 82801, or online at www.rootedinwyoming.org.

Memorial services with Military Honors will be held for Paul, on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Kane Funeral Home with Reverend Kevin Jones officiating.

If you can not attend the funeral services, you may click on link below to view live.

https://boxcast.tv/view/celebration-of-life-for-paul-taylor-jr-rvjeezkbmp5wsv2ryfei

‍Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com. Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.