Wayne Willard Taylor

Wayne Willard Taylor, age 81, died unexpectedly on November 29, 2023. Wayne was known by many names: Billy, Wayne, Uncle Bill, Brother Taylor, but to many he was Papa. Wayne was born on June 24, 1942 in Narrows, Virginia to Willard Wayne and Rita Christeen Martin Taylor Zurbuchen.

He graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1961. Wayne married Anita Ornelas on October 10, 1964 in Kansas City, Kansas. She was his greatest love in his life. They had two children; Carl Wayne and Christine Marie. Wayne served in the United State Army from 1966 to 1969 where he earned several awards and accolades including the National Defense Service Medal. Wayne retired from General Motors in December 1999 after thirty plus years as an autoworker.

Wayne will be remember as a hard worker, a story teller, and a selfless, kind, and gentle soul who never met a stranger. He was an avid fisherman and sports enthusiast. His favorite teams were always the ones his grandchildren played for. He was an active and dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was called upon to serve in numerous capacities during his lifetime.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Anita of 59 years, their children: Christine Marie Graffis (Dexter) of Kansas City, and Carl Wayne (Pamela) of Kansas City; his grandchildren, Kali, Jacob, Anthony, Nathan, and Olivia; his great-grandchildren, Zoey, Layla, and Fletcher; many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Wayne is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Thomas Taylor and Connie Greenhalgh.

A visitation for Wayne will be held Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Newcomer's White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Rd., Gladstone, MO 64119. Following the visitation will be a funeral service at 2:00 PM.

There will be a reception immediately following the graveside service at The Clubhouse of New Mark,

9808 N Campbell Drive, Kansas City, MO 64155.