DODGE CITY – Thomas D. Taylor, 88, passed away on December 24, 2021 in Dodge City, Kansas. Tom was born July 21, 1933, on the family farm in Stafford County, Kansas. His parents were Jesse (Jack) and Opal Taylor. He was the youngest of four siblings, with an older sister Virginia and brothers Roger and Daniel.
Tom graduated from St. John High School in 1951, then attended McPherson College where he studied agriculture and played four years of football. After graduating from college, Tom joined the U.S. Army in 1955 and served two years in Korea. After his military service, he started working as a hog buyer for Cudahy Packing in Wichita.
In the fall of 1957, Tom met the love of his life, Jean Offerle. They were married on May 17, 1959, in the First United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kansas. They were happily married for 62 years. Their son, Terrence, and daughter, Tanza were both born in Wichita. After a brief stay in Topeka, the family moved to Dodge City in 1969.
In 1975, Tom started selling heavy construction equipment for Murphy Tractor and the Victor L Phillips Company, traveling throughout southwest Kansas. A natural and prolific talker, he enjoyed a successful career in sales and retired in 1999.
In retirement, he enjoyed free time with his wife, traveling, visiting his four grandchildren, playing golf and bowling. Throughout his life, Tom was an avid sports fan, frequently watching sports on TV and attending local sporting events.
Tom is survived by his wife Jean of the home; son Terrence of Garden City, Kansas; daughter Tanza Bauer (Kevin) of Leawood, Kansas; grandchildren Miranda Unruh (Tyler) of Holcomb, Kansas; Spencer Bauer (Sara) of Los Angeles, California; Allison Cawley (Tyler) of Olathe, Kansas; William Bauer of Kansas City, Missouri; great grandchildren Liam and Jase Unruh and Norah Bauer; and sister Virginia Snyder of South Hutchinson, Kansas. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Opal Taylor, both brothers Roger and Daniel, and grandson Patrick Bauer.
Funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Dodge City on Friday, December 31, 2021 at 10:30 AM. Graveside service will be at the Fairview Park Cemetery in St. John, Kansas at 1:30 pm on Friday, December 31, 2021. A book signing will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City on Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church or the American Heart Association in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.
