Gary L. Taylor 1947 - 2019    

Gary L. Taylor left us on May 15, 2019, two days after his 72nd birthday. 

His gentle spirit touched many people, sometimes through his resonant tenor voice at weddings, funerals, and church services, sometimes through his quiet acts of kindness, often through his good-natured times with family and friends, and many times through his extensive theater performances. 

Gary performed in numerous productions at Weathervane Theater and Magical Theater Company, including the musical "1776," starring as the king in "The King and I," and reprising his favorite role as Don Quixote in "Man of La Mancha" over one hundred times on tour.  Even as time robbed his memory in everyday life, he remained a wealth of information about movies, actors, composers, and choreographers.

In his quiet, private life, Gary cared lovingly for his dogs and cats, and regularly supported SPCA.  His amiable presence, gratitude, and good humor drew people to him wherever he went, and he knew the staff by name at all of his ordinary errand stops.  His cousins share many fond childhood memories of Sunday nights at Grandpa Winkler's farm on River Styx Road. 

The family particularly wishes to that the incredible kindness and support of Liberty ResidenceI staff, especially Bev Long, and the members and volunteers from Jerusalem Lutheran Church.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Ella (Winkler) Taylor, several aunts and uncles and cousins Mike Winkler and Steve Detwiler.  Surviving family includes his cousins, Cheryl (Winkler) Becker, Nancy (Winkler) Hudson, Cathy (Winkler) Buckingham (James), Ken Detwiler (Tracy), Karen (Detwiler) Rager (Bob), Ron Detwiler (Sue), Kay (Roth) Painter, and Rick Hamilton (of Florida).   Gary is also survived by many friends, neighbors, and acquaintances who will miss his friendly greetings, silly jokes, and comforting hugs.

Like the character of Don Quixote that he often portrayed, Gary was poetic and sensitive;  he lived according to the ideals of the age of chivalry, singing well, composing verses, and helping the distressed.  He was a good soul.  We will miss our quintessential, sincere, honest, kind, and loving man of integrity, Gary Taylor, truly a Man of La Mancha.

A memorial service will be held on May 28 at 11 a.m. at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 9282 Acme Road, Seville, OH 44273.  In lieu of flowers, donations, in memory of Gary,  to Jerusalem Lutheran Church or to the local SPCA would be gratefully received.


   

   Gary Taylor
   Wadsworth High School
   Graduating Class of 1965
                         
    
 
 
WHS Duotones, 1964-65.  Front: Bob Powers, Caseli Lowe, Lynn Parmelee, Gary Taylor.  Second: Mr. Mathews, Jim Vough, Alica Whisel, Sandy Riggs, Gregg Tschantz.  Back: Jim Sailors, Christine Stroud, Marj Beckley, Jerry Raker.
  
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Steph Schmeltzer  (WHS 1997), Chair, Wadsworth High School Alumni Association. 524 Broad Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281.    Past obituaries, class information, and alumni news is available at www.wadsworthalumni.com.  Please contact us at [email protected] . To view WCTV television programs featuring Wadsworth High School and other Wadsworth news, go to http://my.viebit.com.   Please consider becoming a supporting member of the Alumni Association by sending a check addressed to "WHS ALUMNI ASSOC."  for $10 (annual dues) or $100 (lifetime dues) to Sally Porter, WHSAA Treasurer, 524 Broad Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281. Reduced Membership Rates for WHS Alumni Couples! $150 per couple for lifetime memberships; $25 per couple for yearly dues.