Larry Dwight Taylor was born December 26, 1946 in St. John, Kansas. He completed his earthly journey, July 18, 2026 at Red Bud Village in Plainville, Kansas. He was the son of Melvin LeVern and Crystal Irene (Leitner) Taylor.
Larry’s early years were spent in Stafford County prior to attending high school in WaKeeney, Kansas. During his teen years, he worked at the Hockman Dairy, probably why he did not have an affection for farming. He joined the Navy after leaving high school.
He enlisted September 20, 1964 at the Naval Induction Center in Kansas City, Kansas. He was released from active service in 1967, and stayed in the Naval Reserves until 1970. His rank was E-4 Electrician Mate at the time he was honorably discharged.
He was very proud of his time in the Navy. He wore his Vietnam War Ribbon with pride. His Naval experience was extensive, from Boot Camp in San Diego, the on to Kingsville, Texas at the Naval Air Station. He was with the F11, Tigers and VT23 Squadron. He was the one who strapped in the pilot prior to take off. Larry attended firefighter school and was on the Fire Fighter Flying Team. He helped extinguish a fire on the USS Kitty Hawk. Then on to the Great Lakes Training School prior to transfer to general maintenance and discharge.
Larry’s parents were living in Oberlin at the time of his discharge, and he returned there to work in the oil fields. He met and married Lorena Sue Heisel, October 5, 1968 in Oberlin. She survives.
Also surviving are his daughter Sheila Otter and husband Mark of Ulysses and son Shawn Taylor and wife Sonja of Lenora; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Marcel Dwight Otter. Larry was a hard worker and very proud of his accomplishments and his service in the Navy. He had a fierce sense of what was right and what was wrong. He even carried this to one of his companies, Integrity Drilling. There was the right way, the wrong way, and Larry’s way. Usually, Larry’s way was the right way.
He was actively engaged in his oil field operations until his failing health forced him to step back. He loved his life and loved his family. When it came time for several of his grandchildren to take up shooting, Larry made sure they had the guns that he thought were appropriate for them. That is what Grandpa’s are for! There is one thing for certain when you were dealing with Larry: “If you did not want the answer, DON’T ask the question.” His vocabulary and the way he used it was like an artist’s pallet and painting a portrait!
Hunting and fishing were two of his favorite pastimes. He was a good fisherman and shot. He caught lots of fish but none ever as big as that one that got away last summer! By the way, guess who the best shot in the area was!!
He was active in the American Legion and he has requested that the Oberlin American Legion be listed as the recipient of all memorials given in his name. He enjoyed being a member of the Elks Lodge and spent many good times with associations there. He also supported Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever. It was more entertaining to watch Larry watch a sporting event than the event itself. He joined in with great emotion, you know, words painting a portrait.
Larry made a positive impact on his home and community. He will be greatly missed. Your job is done! May you rest in peace.
Memorial Service for Larry will be at the United Parish in Lenora, Kansas, at 10:00 A.M. on July 25, 2026.
Burial with military honors will follow at the Lenora South Cemetery, Lenora, Kansas.