Richard P. “Dick” Taylor, 82, passed away in the Stormont-Vail intensive care unit on Friday, January 20, 2023. His heartbroken children and grandchildren stood by his side. Dick was born in Topeka on July 6, 1940 to Richard B. “Dick” and Dorothy J. (Root) Taylor.
He attended the Topeka public schools graduating from Topeka High School in 1958. Dick joined the Navy in 1960 which included service aboard the USS Lexington. He returned home in 1964 and began working alongside his father starting his lifelong career with Taylor Roofing Company, Inc. Dick with three young children met Dorothy M. (Henderson-Ceballos) Taylor with three girls while playing softballs. On December 1, 1969, they got married uniting their six children under one roof.
Krista, the eldest was eight years old, the youngest not even two. Many people said they would never make it… Dick and Dorothy proudly celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2019. Sadly, on May 4, 2020, Dorothy lost her brief battle with cancer. COVID restrictions were in place to postpone her memorial service. A memorial service was arranged for both Dick and Dorothy.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister Diane S. (Jerry) Bigham, sons Robert W. Taylor (FL) and R. Charles Taylor, Topeka. Along with a host of friends Dick made on his journey, survivors include youngest son William P. “Bill” (Siobhan) Taylor (AR), daughters Krista K. (Mike) Miller, Jolee J. Ceballos and Trina T. Ceballos all over Topeka. Grandchildren Kristen A. (Brandon) Taylor, Paul S. (Terri) Miller, Dieter J. Miller (MI), Taylor D. (Stacie) Ceballos, Edward Z. “Zach” Martinez (WY), Trina T. “Tressa” and Sister Nikki N. Sands, Rylie Taylor and Richard P. “RT” Taylor II (AR). Great-grandchildren, Nadje and sisters Mia and Lauren Miller, Cooper and sisters Isla and Devan Ceballos and Isiah Taylor.
Dick and Dorothy were cremated according to their wishes. Visiting will be from 11am to 1pm on Friday 27 January at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, with the memorial service following at 1pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Police Athletic League of Topeka c/o Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604. To leave a message for the Taylor family, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.
