Dick Taylor passed away on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015 at home, in Seattle. He was born to Odus and Kathryn Taylor on November 1, 1921 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Mary McLaury Taylor and his daughter and son-in-law Martha and Mike Biggs.
He is survived by his brother, Ray (Betty) Taylor of Southern Pines, NC and his sister, Sarah Jane (Paul) Waitt) of Sheridan IN; and his 4 children: Priscilla (Scott) Hickey of Seattle, Jane (Tim) Wilson of Santa Barbara, Mac (Debbie) Taylor of Monroe and Steve (Kris) Taylor of Bellevue; and his 9 grandchildren: Nate (Jennifer) Hickey, Sarah (Luke) White, Rebecca (Trace) Bundy, Andrea (Danny) Cutherell, Daniel (Casey) Taylor, Paul (Mari) Montoy-Wilson, Jen Taylor, Isabel Taylor, Finley Taylor; and his 7 great grandchildren: Lucia White, Sawyer Bundy, Cora Hickey, Wells Bundy, Theo Cutherell, Paul White and Lola Montoy-Wilson.
He will be missed by his large extended family and loving friends of all ages and all places. Please see the guest book and more information at: www.sunsethillsmemorial.com
Dick Taylor graduated of Sheridan HS in Sheridan, IN, Class of 1939 and received his Mechanical Engineering degree from Purdue University, graduating early in December of 1942 (ROTC). He was a veteran of WWII, Captain – US Army, 417th Field Artillery Group, a liaison pilot in Cologne, Germany and saw combat during the Battle of the Bulge.
Dick’s career spanned 50 years at The Boeing Company. He was hired July 3, 1946 and served as: an airplane designer; test pilot including B-47 Stratojet (first large, swept-wing jet powered airplane.); aerospace executive and consultant. He was the father of the 737, as the Director of Engineering during its development. He led the certification of Two-Person Flight Crew and was the father of ETOPS (Extended Range Twin Engine Operations). He retired as a Boeing Vice President and served as an EAA Board Member and Museum of Flight Trustee. Dick was an active pilot for 70 years and last flew his airplane December 2014.
He received numerous awards: Society of Experimental Test Pilots' Doolittle award (1967); Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree from Purdue University (1973); FAA Distinguished Service Award (1991); National Aeronautics Association Elder Statesman of Aviation (1992); Museum of Flight Pathfinder Award (1993); Aviation Week & Space Technology Lifetime Achievement Award (2010).
He retired as Boeing Vice President in February 1991 and then served 5 more years as a consultant; he was an EAA Board Member Emeritus, a Museum of Flight Trustee, a Sandel Avionics Board Member and member of Bellevue Presbyterian Church. Dick was an active pilot for 70 years and last flew his airplane December 2014.
Graveside Service:
Sunset Hills Memorial Park, Bellevue WA held on Friday, October 9th at 2:30 PM
Memorial Service:
Bellevue Presbyterian Church, on Saturday, October 31st at 1 PM
Celebration Gathering:
The Museum of Flight, Seattle WA, on Sunday, November 1st at 5 PM
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to either:
The Museum of Flight, Seattle WA
Bellevue Presbyterian Church, Bellevue WA
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