William Earl Taylor was born September 18, 1926 to Charles and Vera Taylor in Herington, KS and died on June 27, 2025 at home in Lenexa, KS. On October 24, 1948 he married Ruth Backhus, a union that produced four children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.
Bill began his career in aviation while a senior in high school working the graveyard shift at the Herington Air Base. After high school graduation he enlisted in the Navy and served on Guam at the end World War II. As a Kansas boy, he did not know he was subject to seasickness and subsequently took every opportunity to join the flight crew as a flight engineer. He survived being shot down twice over the Pacific Ocean. He was called back to the Navy in Seattle during the Korean conflict and brought his wife and infant daughter to join him. He served the remainder of his tour of duty as an aircraft engine mechanic before returning to Kansas City.
After Bill was mustered out of the Navy, he joined Trans World Airlines where he worked as an engine mechanic. He was recognized by the FAA with the Charles Taylor [no relation] Master Mechanic Award for having 50 years of civil and military aircraft maintenance experience.
In 1953 Bill and Ruth were part of a group of charter members who formed Hope Lutheran Church in Shawnee, KS, and they were active members until a few years ago when health restricted them to their home. Bill found many ways to be involved in the church including being the “Soup Lady” for the youth midweek program and a member of the men’s group and was a favorite of generations of children in the church by slipping them a roll of Smarties on Sunday morning.
In the 1960s he started a Boy Scout troop that was sponsored by the church, and seven of the eight charter scouts achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with many more to follow. They went camping every month regardless of the weather, and all the troop activities focused on leadership, life skills, and having fun.
If you knew Bill, he likely helped you in some way, always quietly, generously, without being asked, and not wanting recognition. Following retirement, he was especially diligent in taking care of widows by doing yardwork, house maintenance, errands, and grocery shopping. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix.
Bill and Ruth enjoyed a long and happy marriage of nearly 75 years, and they encouraged each other to live out their gifts. As Bill-and-Ruth, their quiet generosity and compassion touched many lives.
Bill is survived by children: Diane (Bob) Kelly, Dana Point, CA; Susan (Blake) Richter, DeKalb, IL; Kathleen (Mike) Dillmon, Olathe, KS; and Bill (Stacy) Taylor, Shawnee, KS; grandchildren: Bill (Ryland Potter) Richter and David (Christina) Richter, Sarah (Vic) Rivas and Allison (Darren) Denney, and Spencer, Josie, and Oliver Taylor; and great-grandchildren: Ellis and Alexandra Richter, Weston and Caleb Richter, and Adam and Devin Denney.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 1, from 9 to 10 am followed by a funeral service at Hope Lutheran Church in Shawnee, KS. Burial will be at 3 pm at Sunset Cemetery in Herington, KS. There will be a live stream link available on Tuesday.