Ralph Taylor, born on January 3, 1939, in Leavenworth, Ks, passed away peacefully at his home in Leavenworth, on June 29, 2025, leaving behind a life rich in experience and touched by a loving family. Ralph was preceded in death by his father, Ephriam Rusala Taylor, his mother, Beatrice Taylor and his siblings; Louise Collins, Mabel Taylor, Anne Marie Taylor, Vernon Taylor, Robert Taylor, Rusala Taylor Jr., Leon Taylor, Frank Taylor, and Larry Taylor.
In addition, he was preceded by his beloved wife, Laura Taylor whom he married in 1960, and his cherished daughter Leona Williams. He held in his heart the memory of his two departed grandchildren, Nathaniel Williams and Yvonne Williams.
In April 1959 Ralph met his wife Laura Mae Taylor while serving in the U.S Airforce. In 1963 he relocated to California from Leavenworth Ks. Where he lived with his wife and daughter until relocating back to Leavenworth Kansas in 1988.
Ralph was an honorable man who devoted a portion of his life to serving his country. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1956 and retired in 1964. Later, he began a noble career at V.A. Medical Center in 1982 and retired in 1989. His dedication to service did not stop there, as from 1990 until his retirement in 2006, he ran a state-licensed home daycare with his wife, providing care and guidance to countless children.
Ralph was a lifelong learner who valued education. He graduated from The University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, KS with a B.S. in Human Resources in 1992. In which he made the who's who book by nomination of his professor. He further enhanced his education by earning an M.S. in Social Gerontology from The University of Missouri-Kansas City, Holmes Street, Kansas City, MO in 1994.
A man of faith, for many years, Ralph was an active member at St James CME Church. He was deeply involved in the church. He served on countless boards during his membership. He was a member of the trustee, men's choir, food committee, and the men's fellowship board.
He found joy in simple pleasures. Among those, watching his favorite TV show, Jeopardy, which held a special place, he also enjoyed fishing and cooking. Ralph’s unwavering strength, boundless wisdom, and selfless service to his family, country, and community will forever be remembered. He will be missed dearly by all those whose lives he touched.
Ralph leaves to mourn his loss his loving Surrogate grandson Jamaal X. Hall, his loving great grandchildren Nathaniel Williams Jr, Gianna Parks, Isaiah Williams, his loving surrogate daughter and niece Erica Robinson, his loving surrogate son and nephew Terrance Robinson, his loving godchildren Shaunessy and Brittany Smith, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Visitation is set for Friday, July 11, from 10-11 AM, at Saint James Church, 621 Pennsylvania, Leavenworth, KS. Services will follow at 11. Graveside services are set for 1:30 at Leavenworth National Cemetery.
