Warren Taylor passed away on September 29, 2026, on the very day he celebrated his 89th birthday. Born September 29, 1937, in Mansfield, Missouri, Warren’s life came full circle, beginning and ending on the same date, with 89 years in between filled with hard work, laughter, generosity, and, above all, an immeasurable love for his family.
Warren graduated from Mansfield High School in 1955. In February 1956, he entered the United States Navy, where he proudly served aboard the USS Essex aircraft carrier as an aircraft mechanic. He was honorably discharged in January 1960 with the rank of Petty Officer Second Class.
On August 5, 1956, Warren married Norma Cooper in the front yard of Norma’s family home in Mansfield, Missouri. Two children were born to their union, Cindy, born November 26, 1960, and Darren, born December 19, 1962.
In 1969, Warren auctioneered his first auction for Van Pamperien Farm in Houston, Missouri, beginning what would become one of the great passions of his life. He continued auctioneering until 2013, dedicating more than four decades to the profession. For 30 of those years, Warren and Donna founded and owned Taylor Auction Service, a family-centered business that employed several family members and close friends over the years. More than simply a career, auctioneering became an important part of Warren’s life and a way for him to work alongside many of the people he loved most.
Warren began working for UPS in 1970 and retired after 27 years of dedicated service.
On July 12, 1983, Warren married Donna Sue (Box) Williams, and through their marriage, his family grew to include three bonus children. Warren had a way of making family feel like family, regardless of how they came into his life.
Warren was preceded in death by his parents, Chet and Oleta Taylor; his late wife, Norma Cooper Taylor; his daughter, Cindy Scruggs; his brother and sister-in-law, Carroll and Virginia Taylor; and his nephew, Bryon Taylor.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; his children, Darren Taylor and his wife Kathy, Jeff Newton and his wife Karen, Julie Branstetter, and Shelly Rothermich and her husband Larry; and his grandchildren, Stacey Scruggs, Jake Scruggs, Kelsey Batesel (Matt), Kenzi Taylor (Ian), Paige Morris (Jack), Taylor Cooper (Carson), Bec Newton, Danielle Newton, Blayke Taylor, Cadee Rutledge (Josh), Braden Branstetter (Marila), Gracie Farran (Dillon), and Hannah Rothermich; 16 great-grandchildren with another great-grandchild expected in the summer; and one nephew, Mark Taylor.
Warren loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren beyond measure. There was something especially wonderful about watching him with the babies of the family. They could light up his entire world. No matter how big the family became, there was always room for more love.
Those who knew Warren knew there was rarely a dull moment when he was around. He was a jokester who loved to laugh and make others laugh, but underneath that humor was one of the most giving hearts a person could have. Warren gave freely of what he had, whether it was his time, his help, or simply himself. His family knew they were deeply loved, not just because he said it, but because he showed it.
For his family, that love could be felt the moment they walked through the front door at Grandma and Grandpa’s. Warren would stand up from his chair with that contagious smile on his face, ready to greet whoever had just walked in. He made sure you knew he was glad to see you. In his home, you were greeted, you were welcomed, and most importantly, you were loved. It was a simple gesture, but one his family will never forget.
Warren enjoyed fishing, auctioneering, golfing, and basketball. He especially loved watching Darren and the teams he coached. He would be the first in the gym at the Blue and Gold and sometimes the last one to leave. He also took tremendous pride in his yard and flowers, always making sure they were cared for and looking their best.
There is something beautifully fitting about Warren’s story beginning and ending on September 29th. Eighty-nine years separated those two days, and he filled them with a life worth remembering. He served his country, worked hard, made people laugh, gave generously, built a family, and loved that family fiercely.
For those who loved him, September 29th will forever carry two meanings: the day Warren Taylor came into this world, and the day he left it. His life came full circle, but the love, laughter, stories, and memories he leaves behind will continue through the generations of the family he loved so dearly.
Memorial contributions can be made in Warren’s honor to the Wolf Creek Free Will Baptist Church. Contributions can be dropped off in person at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mansfield, or mailed to 209 N. Lincoln Ave. Mansfield, Missouri 65704.
