Robert "Bob" Taylor

Robert E. (Bob) Taylor of Clyde Park, Montana, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family on November 29, 2023.  He was 92 years old.

Bob was born on September 16, 1931, to Chester and Grace Taylor in Detroit, Michigan.  After growing up in Detroit, Bob joined the Army and served in Alaska and Korea.  Upon leaving the Army Bob traveled with a friend to Montana where he met Gladys (Taylor). After a 6-week courtship, they married on December 24, 1953.  They were together for 70 years and had five children, 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Bob had several careers including working as a supervisor at Chevrolet Gear and Axle in Detroit, Michigan, working as a foreman for Northern Pacific in Livingston, Montana, and finally starting his own business as a finish carpenter for Village Craftsman in Clyde Park, Montana.  Up until about a year ago you could usually find Bob in his shop either working on a piece of furniture, making items to sell at a craft fair, fixing something for a neighbor, tinkering with his radio control airplanes, or turning a segmented bowl. Bob could not walk past a dead tree, log or piece of wood and not see what it could become under his skillful work on the lathe.  He gave away many gifts of art and donated many pieces of furniture to St. Mary’s Church and School in Livingston, Montana, and St. Margaret’s in Clyde Park, Montana.

Bob was a graduate of Dale Carnegie, a devout Catholic, Boy Scout Troop Leader, 4-H Leader, radio control airplane pilot, avid hunter, accomplished fisherman, teacher, cabinet maker, craftsman, he raised and showed registered Columbia sheep throughout Montana, he raised tropical fish-ángel fish being his favorite, was a captivating storyteller, helpful neighbor and considerate friend. But most of all, he was a loving husband to Gladys and a wonderful dad, grandpa, great grandpa, brother, and uncle to his family.

Bob is survived by his wife, Gladys; his brother and half-brother Bill Martin and Bruce (Jody) Taylor; his sister-in-law Alice (Jim) Sargent; his daughters Aletta (Joe) Zimmerman, Bobbi (Mike Whiting) Taylor, Diane Taylor Szudera, and Ruth (Chad) Christensen; his son Bill (Hillary) Taylor; his grandchildren Nicole (Jason) Lashever, Shelley (Kurt Kopperud) Szudera, Bill (Cassie) Szudera, Chis (Xiamei) Patterson, Tina (Matt) Read, Mindy (Dan) Miller, Melissa (Jared Wolberg) Szudera, Rob (Amanda Haglund) Lahren, Bobby (Hattie) Szudera, Nathan Breigenzer, Sophie Taylor and Marissa Taylor; great-grandchildren Lucy, Mila, Vada, Warren, Molly, Marley, Myles and James; their dog, Mack; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, other family members, and good friends.

A vigil will be held at St Margaret’s in Clyde Park on Monday, December 11, at 3:00 p.m.  The funeral Mass will be held at St. Margaret’s in Clyde Park, Montana, on Tuesday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. followed by burial service at St. Margaret Cemetery.

A light lunch will be served at the Clyde Park Community Center following the burial.

Memorials in Bob Taylor’s name may be given to St. Margaret’s Church, Clyde Park, Montana, or St. Mary’s School, Livingston, Montana.

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