Ronald Taylor

Bartow - Ronald (Ron) Gordon Taylor passed away at the age of 83 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center on August 10, 2021. He was born on February 25, 1938 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Herbert B. and Mary Mae (Sheldon) Taylor. He had been a resident of Bartow since 1992, retiring from a career as a sheet metal worker. Ron was a proud U.S. Army Veteran, serving as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He was a Master Mason and a member of the Speedway Lodge 500 in Indiana. Ron was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, the 11th Retiree Airborne Club, the Moose Lodge 1023 Winter Haven, the American Legion Post 3, and the Elks Lodge. Ron enjoyed traveling in his motor home and was active with the Family Campers and RVers. He also enjoyed the discipline of martial arts, achieving a black belt in Taekwondo. He is preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Carolyn Ruth Taylor, his parents, his brother James Taylor, and his brother-in-law Gerald B. Walker. He is survived by his brothers Jack Taylor, Michael Taylor and wife Patti, Robert Taylor and wife Anita; and sister-in-laws, Janet McBride Taylor and Terri K. Walker; daughters, Colleen Lawrence and husband Mark, Laura Haynes and husband Dave, and Dawn Nava and husband Ken; step-children, Patti Council and husband Billy, Brenda Coles and husband Rick; Lisa Peterson and husband Nick, and Mark Seelbaugh and wife Sheri. He also leaves 18 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous extended family members. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A memorial service with Military Honors will be held at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida on Friday, October 8, 2021 at 11:30. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com.