Kenneth E. "Ken" Taylor

Missoula - Kenneth Taylor, 93, went home to be with Jesus on August 23rd. He was born to Charley and Nora Taylor on February 25, 1932 near St. Louis, Oklahoma. He had an older brother, Richard and two older sisters, Jean and Charlene. He was raised in the oil fields around Hobbs, New Mexico. Then he earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Texas Tech and a masters from the University of Texas. He proudly served his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force primarily flying B-25’s.

Ken was father to three sons, Ken Jr., Tim and Dan. He greatly enjoyed taking them bird hunting, fishing, water skiing and backpacking. In his free time he could be found in his wood shop building such things as desks and grandfather clocks.

He had a long and colorful career working for Humble which became Exxon. They moved often but primarily lived around the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana. His many co-workers cherished his friendship.

Wherever they lived he was always an active member and deacon of a local Baptist church. He helped lead a group of volunteers known as the Hammer Slammers to work on 100 churches in Texas, Montana and many other places. Ken went on mission trips to Haiti and Africa to build houses and repair water wells.

He lived out his life in Montana where he loved being with his son Dan and his family, seeing the mountains, building thousands of wood toys for Hope Baptist Church’s Operation Christmas Child ministry, and visiting with many friends at Grizzly Peak.

Ken proved that it really isn’t hard to leave a rich legacy. Simply trust and love the Lord, and love others with integrity and all of your heart.

Ken is survived by son, Dan (Terri) and their children, Nathan (Laura - Audrey and Wyatt), Jennifer (engaged to Dillon), Jonathan (Megan - one on the way) and Joel (Makayla); Ken Jr.’s son David (Kristen - Claire, Patrick, Audrey). And many other family and friends.

His family would like to thank the staff at Grizzly Peak, the caregivers at Hobblit Home Senior Care, and the hospice team at Partner’s In Home Care.

A memorial service will be held at Hope Baptist Church, 7498 Zaugg, Missoula MT at 12 PM Saturday, August 30 with a lunch served afterwards. In lieu of flowers we ask that memorial gifts go to the church he loved and help build: Hope Baptist Church, PO Box 755, Milltown, MT 59851

Ken left countless life lessons that are (mostly) invaluable. Here are some: Always save the extra napkins, (straws, plastic ware, and cups). You just never know when there might be a mess.

Always keep at least 2 Snickers, Hersheys, or Butterfingers handy. One to share and one for yourself.

Always save room for dessert - especially apple pie with ice-cream, or any kind of pie,... or any kind of dessert. And when you have the opportunity to use jelly…use lots.

Always carry a pocket knife. "Dad, do you have a pocket knife?" Dad, "Do I have my pants on?" Always be willing to help out people who are hurting. “Dad I’ve got a splinter!” “Give me your finger, I’ve got a knife, we can just cut the finger off!” Or the alternative, “Just think about how much better it will feel when it quits hurting!”

Always buy what is good. You don’t need fancy, and you don’t need to impress people. But you will pay dearly for buying junk.

Always over engineer things you build. You never know when a hurricane might blow through.

Always do things the hard way. The easy way is for pansies.

Always complement good service. Expect it, encourage it, and reward it.

Always take the opportunity to smile, wave at children and make them laugh.

Always take joy in the simple things like a hamburger, the beauty of a sunset over the mountains, sitting on an inner tube at the lake eating watermelon, or even a simple rock. (He liked rocks!)

Always value work. Do your best with integrity. When you stop to rest, “KNOCK IT OFF AND GET BACK TO WORK!”

Always be a gentleman. Open and hold doors. Offer your seat to ladies and the elderly. Take off your hat indoors, especially in a church.

Always support and appreciate those who serve and protect America. Be patriotic. Stand up for what is right, good and decent.

Always be generous and selfless. Be humble enough to have compassion for people, but wise enough to not cast pearls to swine.

Always be grateful. God is always good, there is always hope, there are always people who have more struggles than you. Always remember Romans 8:28 is still in effect. “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Always choose mercy. Bitterness will destroy you from the inside.

Always treasure your family. Serve them, sacrifice for them, enjoy them, teach them, forgive them, love them. Tell them, very often, how much you love and appreciate them.

Always have the courage to shed tears.

Always live by faith. It is the Lord who saves you, upholds you and gives you his abiding peace. Shine with the rich joy and hope Jesus offers.

Always pray. Always! Pour out your heart to the Lord and experience His faithfulness.

Always be eager to talk about Jesus. He should not be the best kept secret in your life.

Always have a song on your lips. Sing even if your voice ain’t the greatest.

Always hide God's Word in your heart. God’s promises and counsel are far too rich to miss out on.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth E. "Ken" Taylor, please visit our floral store.