He was born in Lawen, Oregon on June 25, 1929.He was predeceased by his parents George Taylor and Myrna Boggs Taylor; his Sister, Versa Culp; his Brother, Edward (Bud) Taylor; his first wife Carol Lambert Taylor and his second wife Marion Cagle Taylor.
He is survived by his daughter, Doreen Taylor Barnett (Orley Johns) and his stepdaughter, Patrica (David) Rinehart. He is also survived by his grandsons: Robert, Michael (Tanya), and Marcus (Andrea) Barnett; granddaughters: Cara (Neil) Rodrigues, Nancie (Shawn) Hill, 21 great-grandchildren and many more nieces and nephews.
In 1946, at 17 years of age, Robert enlisted in the Navy. Throughout his career he served at San Diego, CA, Travis Air Force Base, CA, the US Naval Yard, Washington, D.C., Coronado, CA, Treasure Island, CA, Camdem Yard, NJ, the Philadelphia Navy Yard and Lemoore, CA finally retiring from active duty in 1967 as a Yeoman 2nd class.While on active duty he served aboard the USS Walton, USS Joseph K. Taussig, and was a plank owner of the both the USS Joseph Strauss, and USS Washburn. In 1953 he earned the Order of the Ditch, transiting thru the Panama Canal. After retiring Robert continued to serve the nation for 10 more years in the Naval Reserve.
He was proud of his grandsons following in his footsteps joining the military. Cousins loved to be around Uncle Bob, and he treasured every moment with family. He was always the life of the party, frequently hosting get togethers with his Navy buddies, families, and friends.
An enthusiastic traveler, he was blessed to travel from his home in Redding, CA to Seoul, South Korea visiting his daughter and grandsons. In 2008, he moved to Virginia to live with his daughter, Doreen and Johns. There he gained a loving extended Rivermont School family whom he loved and they embraced him as “Dad.”
While in Virginia, he was able to go on cruises and enjoy fun at the casinos. Robert, Doreen and Johns continued traveling throughout his golden years visiting Philadelphia, Washington DC, North Carolina, Miami, and Jamaica. He thoroughly enjoyed regular visits to Tuesday and Friday Bingo at the Hampton Senior Center. A well travelled and joyful man, his favorite trip away from his home in Virginia was to the casino in Harrington, Delaware.
He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to his family and community. His presence will be missed more than words can express, but his love and spirit remain alive and well in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.
A Celebration of Life service for Bob will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666. Following the Celebration of Life service will be an entombment with Full Navy Military Honors at 1:00 PM at Parklawn Memorial Park, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666.
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