John Oliver Taylor Jr.

Hello! My name is John Taylor and, on November 30, 2024, I left this world to embark on an exciting journey to meet my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I was born in Houston, Texas on March 12, 1938. I grew up in the Heights, attending Travis Elementary School, Hogg Junior High, and Reagan High School. I graduated from Reagan in 1956 and enrolled in Sam Houston State College. While at Sam Houston, I met, courted, and later married the love of my life, soul mate, and very best friend, Kay Lynn Fults. We met on a blind date her senior year in college and married a year later. This union, which lasted for 57 years and 360 days produced two outstanding young men, Greg and Craig. It ended on January 29, 2019 when pancreatic cancer took her from me. Kay was the most devout Christian I have ever known and raised our sons accordingly.

After graduation from Sam Houston in 1960, I went to work for the Houston Independent School District. Forty-five years later, I retired from the district, after serving as teacher, counselor, assistant principal, director, executive director, and assistant superintendent.

I loved country/western music, waltzing with Kay, all sports, and never ate anything green. I was a huge Houston Astros fan. I particularly enjoyed hunting and bowling, especially the Senior Leagues at Del Mar Lanes.

Besides Greg and Craig, I am leaving behind two wonderful daughters-in-law, Elaine and Trisha, and four adorable grandchildren; Andrew and his partner Lynn, Rebecca, Shelby and her fiancé Alex, and Jessica and her husband Joe. My beloved Kay and my mother, Alberta Taylor, are waiting to greet me when I arrive.

Aside from my family, there are several people I would like to thank for all the help they provided in helping me through my final days. Ron Atkinson, “my brother,” close friends Gene and Sam DuBois and Jean and Weldon Boydstun, my next-door neighbors Mark and Rhian Rusteberg, Lucia Rodriguez from PNC Bank, and my caregivers at the Gardens of Bellaire Assisted Living Facility.

Since I have never been a big fan of “Farewell Parties,” there will be no formal funeral or visitation, just a brief graveside remembrance. As the decease-e, I approve this obituary message and take full responsibility for its content - so don’t blame the kids.

As my final thought I want to say: “Kay, I love you dearly and I am looking forward to our reunion in Heaven.”

Goodbye.