Robert Laney Taylor

Robert Laney Taylor, 83, passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on December 13, 2018 at 9:40 PM.Bob was born October 14, 1935 in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Carl E. and Ora B. (Bayer) Taylor.Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Gwendolyn S. Taylor, and his three children, Kathryn Stephens and her husband, Jeff of Freelandville, David Taylor and his wife Michele, of Lexington, and Deborah Stidham and her husband, John of Vincennes; his grandchildren, Maggi Brown and her husband, Ian, Nathaniel Taylor, Mackenzi Potts and her husband Jacob, Derek Taylor, Taylor Stephens, Anthony Stephens, Daniela Stidham, and Colton Stephens; and two great grandchildren, Jonah Brown and Judson Potts.He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Howard Taylor and his wife Marge; his sister, Carol Cassidy and her husband, Paul; and two grandsons, Jeffrey and Jeremiah Stephens.Robert graduated from Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis in 1952 and attended Butler University for business. He graduated from the Pastor's Course at Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Illinois, June 10, 1960 and also graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington with Secondary History Education in 1962 and continued his educated by earning his Master's Degree in Counseling and Administration.Beginning in 1962 he served in the ministry with Youth for Christ and as a pastor at Otterbein Freelandville, Sandborn, Fairview, and Morris Chapel United Methodist Churches. He continued his ministry through 2012, serving faithfully for 44 years collectively.Bob also worked in the Vincennes Community School Corporation beginning in 1962. He began as history teacher at Lincoln High School, and then moved to begin working as Lincoln's Guidance Counselor. Shortly following that, Bob became Assistant Principal, and he served in that position for several years. With his love of technology and innovative educational tools, Bob pursued finding ways to help teachers and administrators to reach students in new ways and improve daily operations at the school corporation. He then became VCSC's Technology Director for two years and was then promoted into the position of Assistant Superintendent. He retired in 2000, having served the Vincennes Community School Corporation for 38 years.Bob enjoyed preaching, camping, traveling, photography, spending time with his family, and playing with his grandchildren. He also loved working in his yard, playing Euchre, boating, waterskiing, joking, and technology. Bob was very musical and enjoyed playing piano, and singing with his wife and children.Bob was kind, caring, compassionate, wise, and had a quiet way about him that put others at ease and often brought peace and understanding to difficult situations. Bob was an overall amazing man.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Community United Methodist Church with Pastors Rex Chattin and Kathryn Stephens officiating. Burial will follow in the Morris Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-7 pm Monday at Community United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Morris Chapel Building Fund. Goodwin Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Bob Taylor.