TAYLOR, Thomas and Lourdes (2017)

TAYLOR, LIBANAN, OPHEIM

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 8/7/2018 at 16:38:38

Bates Funeral Chapel
Oskaloosa, Iowa

THOMAS AND LOURDES TAYLOR

Thomas Taylor (Papa) was born on July 14, 1947, in Vandalia, Illinois, to Arthur and Mary Taylor. Lourdes Taylor, (Mama) was born on March 10, 1950, in Subic Zambales, Philippines, to Romana and Isabello Libanan. Papa was stationed in the Philippines for the United States Navy where Papa fell in love with Mama and her 3 children, Gloria, Ricky and Annalisa. A few months after meeting, they were married on February 21, 1976, in the Philippine Independent Church. Soon after, Papa, Mama and their children moved to San Diego, California for twenty-years and remained there for the duration of Papa's military career as a Chief Petty Officer Sonar Technician for the U.S. Navy. Papa sought after better opportunities outside of California to improve his family's life-style upon retiring form the military. Papa alone drove to Pella, Iowa and received a job offer from VanGorp. Mama was able to work for Pella Plastics and Engineering Plastic Components, Inc. Shortly after establishing their careers, the rest of our family moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa, where our family laid its roots. As time progressed, the family grew larger, memories were made, and our appreciation for Mama and Papa strengthened.

Mama and Papa were the centerpiece of our family. Mama was a kindhearted woman, who cared for and accepted everyone like they were her own. Papa was a proud man that relished the moments with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Together they touched every life that they came in contact with. If you were hungry, Mama would feed you; if you needed advice, Papa would counsel you and vise versa; they were selfless, comforting, joyous and humorous. They were married for 41 years and were inseparable. They did everything together, traveled, spent time with family, enjoyed life, cared for one another, and then finally, embarked on their final journey together.

Mama is survived by her sister, Lita Opheim. Papa is survived by his brother and sister, Dale and Debbie Taylor. They are both survived by their children, Gloria, Ricky and Annalisa; their grandchildren, Christina, Mark, Chris, Derrick, Alanna, Keanna, and Leilani; great-grandchildren Kayden, Miyah, MaLaynie, and Kyron.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 20, 2017, at 12 noon in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa. As was their wish, their bodies will be cremated following the service and burial of the cremated remains will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter. Visitation will be Saturday, May 20, 2017, from 9 A.M. until service time at 12 P.M. and the family will be present during that time to greet friends and relatives. Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Family of Lourdes and Thomas Taylor.

"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear."

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