Richard Keith Taylor, 81 of Cabool, Missouri passed away on Tuesday October 17, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on April 30, 1942 in Prescott, Arizona, the son of Henry and Edith Taylor. The family moved to Missouri in 1952. Richard attended Cabool Schools, graduating in 1961. In his early years, Richard farmed with his father while working various jobs in town. On September 4, 1966 he married Roberta Ann Replogle and they have shared the past 57 years together. To this union was born two daughters, Teresa Dawn and Melissa Ann.
Richard was a simple man, yet a man of great farming and mechanical knowledge, which many, especially his son-in-laws, sought his advice, clear to the end. With the loving support of his wife, and his never-ending work ethic he completed a successful 25 year career at Cabool Schools, while also expanding his father’s cattle farm to the self-sustaining beautiful place the family still calls “home”. Richard was a man of many titles, brother, husband, daddy, friend, and neighbor. But the two titles he loved and became most affectionately known for were Grandpa and Uncle Richard. Due to Richard’s big heart and natural ability of mentoring others, Richard’s legacy will be carried on, not only by his girls, but by several others who were blessed to have him fulfill the father role they needed.
With bravery and lots of impatience at times, Richard fought through many health battles, bouncing back from most with more rigor and an even longer “to do” list. Only recently, he accepted passing that list down to his daughter, Melissa and husband Kent. He took great pride in advising and watching them take the reins. They say it is hard to keep a good man down. But for Richard, it was even harder for that man to accept it was his time to rest. Weak and fatigued and with help from his obedient “sons” this past year he managed to climb the dozer or grader and attempted to help Missy check off one more task from his list.
Preceding him in death, his parents, brothers Joseph and Thurman, sister Virgina Vonallmen and son-in-law Terry Bradshaw. He is survived by sisters Margaret Joerger and Sharon Spurlock, his wife Roberta, his daughters Teresa and husband Bobby Lyness, Melissa and her husband, Kent Randall, special nephew Stephan Lezak and wife LaDonna, best neighbor ever, Keith Wilson, grandchildren Richard, Eli and Aleta Lyness, Shelby Walker, Taylor Bradshaw,and Makayla Wilson, great-grands Gracie Jane and Jaxson Walker.
Family will receive visitors 2 to 4 pm, Saturday October 21st at Elk Creek Baptist Church (16457 Highway H Elk Creek, MO 65464). Family dinner to follow. Private family inurnment to be at a later date.
Memorials:
In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to International Myeloma Foundation or Cabool FFA
