Gilbert Taylor

Gilbert Lyle Taylor 87, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2013 at Oroville Hospital in Oroville, Ca. Gilbert was born on August 30, 1925 in Lundsford, AK, to Robert L. and Jewel M. Lamb Taylor. Gilbert grew up in Lundsford, AK. He graduated from Bay High School 1943 in Bay, Arkansas. Gilbert had a long career in the military starting in 1944, when at the age of 17 enlisted in the Navy. He received his wings as a Navy Air Gunner and flew in anTBM Avenger aboard the USS KitKun Bay. After the war he returned home to farm with his father and attended college. Times were hard and still being in the reserves he returned to active duty. In 1965 in went to Vietnam. During his time in Vietnam he was first Sargent of food services squad. During the USO tours he met Bob Hope, made him orange juice and met Ann Margaret and Joey Heatherton. His Air Force career lasted 27 years, 9 months and 11 days. After the Air Force he used his military experience and managed military clubs at Gila Bend, Luke, Mather, and Holland AFB. He was a member of the Club Managers Association. He finally retired in 1989 making Phoenix, Arizona home. Gilbert married the love of his life on May 8, 1951. They met on a blind date. When he first met her he told her “I'm going to marry you”. They were married for 62 years. Gilbert loved his family and loved when the family could all be together. Many good times were spent in the pool at grandpa's house. Both Gilbert and Martha enjoyed entertaining and had many friends to entertain. He will be remembered as a loving, generous, funny and unpredictable husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and most of all friend. He leaves behind his wife Martha, son Gilbert Jr, Sun City; Richard,(Trish) Memphis, TN; daughters, Elizabeth Cheever, Cypress, Ca; and Karen Pregler, Cherokee, CA; 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many great many friends. Visitation will 9:00 a.m. with funeral services at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, July 22, 2013 at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, Arizona. Interment with military honors will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.