Donald D. Taylor, 89, of Bullard and formerly of De Leon, went home to his Lord and Savior March 29, 2020. He was born October 6, 1930, in Santa Anna, Texas to George Archie Taylor and Martha Ophelia Morgan Taylor. Don married his loving wife of 64 years, Alta Mae Park, March 2, 1954 in Austin, Texas.

In 1950, Don graduated High School in Monahans, Texas and then enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin. He proudly served his country during the Cuban Missile Crisis as an Airman First Class. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Don worked for several years at short term jobs until being hired by El Paso Natural Gas Company in 1957 at Jal, New Mexico. Over the years, he worked his way up to an electrician. Don retired in 1991 and he and Alta moved from Jal into their new home on acreage outside of De Leon.

Don and Alta were longtime members of De Leon First United Methodist Church. They loved their dear church family and served however they could. In his spare time, Don's hobbies included hunting arrowheads, carving wood and rock, and metal detecting. Later in his life, Don took up woodworking. He would build from scratch or rebuild furniture and spent much of his time making wooden toys for his family and friends in the community. He also loved to garden, raise chickens and bottle calves. Don was a kind and generous man and left many fond memories. He was a devoted husband, loving father, doting grandfather, kind neighbor, and devoted servant of God. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his daughter, Debra Brown and husband, Jeff, of Bullard. Two grandchildren, Jerek Brown and wife, Carla, of Ft. Worth, and Loryn Best and husband, Alex, of Bullard. Five great-grandchildren, Caitlyn Alice Brown, Jailey Jan Brown, and Jai Jerek Brown, all of Ft. Worth. Kinley Mae Best and Everly Ann Best both of Bullard. Sister-in-law, Brenda Buckbee and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family. Don has been reunited with his wife, Alta (2018); his father, George Archie Taylor, who passed away when he was a toddler, step-father Joseph Edward Buckbee; his mother, Mattie Buckbee; sister, Tommie Lee and husband, Bill; and brother, Joseph Edward Buckbee, Jr.

Graveside services honoring Don's life were held Thursday, April 2, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in De Leon Cemetery with Pastor John Woodard officiating. Honorary pallbearers were  Jerek Brown, Alex Best, George Froneberger, James Morgan, Jerry Morgan, Rick Morgan, Tommy Wilson, and Mike Burk. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to De Leon First United Methodist Church at 616 Houston Street, De Leon, Texas 76444. Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com .

Due to the current COVID-19 regulations on group gatherings, we kindly ask that any friends planning to attend Don's graveside service respectfully stand at least 30 feet from the tent. Also, please do not gather in groups larger than 10 people (at the advised 6 foot distance). The tent seating will be reserved for immediate family only. We are saddened that we cannot currently allow friends to pay their respects to the Taylor family with a traditional visitation and ceremony; however, they know just how much the De Leon community loved their dad and granddad.  The family appreciates your understanding of the graveside safety regulations and is thankful for your continued prayers and kind thoughts during this difficult time.