Ralph “Douglas” Taylor, 82, formerly of Highland, KS, died Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at F.W. Huston Medical Center in Winchester.

“Douglas” was born February 19, 1941 on the family farm at White Cloud, KS, the son of Ralph Wesley and Ida Laverne Kleckinger Taylor. After attending elementary school in White Cloud, he was a 1959 graduate of Highland High School and was a 1961 graduate of Highland Community College, earning an Associate degree in Business Administration.

He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran, serving 1961 to 1965 during the Viet Nam war, serving as a Communications Specialist with a rank of Airman First Class. He served with the Air Defense Command, the 4624 support squadron at Syracuse, N.Y for two years and then deployed to Turkey for a year with top secret security clearance. After his discharge from the Air Force, he returned to the farm to help his father farm and raise cattle. He was appointed by Governor Robert Docking to serve as U.S. Post Master at White Cloud for two years. He then worked for Doniphan County in the noxious weed department, and 18 years in the County Road and Bridge Dept, retiring in 2013.

He was a member and former Deacon, Elder and Trustee of Highland Christian Church. He was a member of Oskaloosa American Legion Post #36, and a former member, Commander and Post Adjutant of more than 40 years of White Cloud American Legion Post #154.

“Douglas” married Virgie Ann Smith on November 24, 1973 at Sparks, KS, she preceded him in death on October 16, 2012. He was also preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Callie Ann Taylor and a brother, Dwight Wesley Taylor.

Survivors include a son, Randy Dean (Shannon) Taylor, O’Fallon, MO, a daughter, Angela Dawn(Jimmy) Melson, Bullhead City, AZ, a granddaughter whom they raised, Jessica Parker, a sister, Judith “Judy” Holliday, Holton, a brother, David (Terry) Taylor, Oskaloosa, four grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Highland Christian Church. A Visitation will be 10:00 to 11:00 AM before Services at the Church. A Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Barnett Family Funeral Home, Oskaloosa. Burial will be at Olive Branch Cemetery, White Cloud, KS. Memorials suggested to Jefferson County Friends of Hospice or to Highland Christian Church in care of the Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS 66066.
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