Dr. Jack Taylor

Long time Freeport resident and dentist, Dr. Jack Taylor, passed away peacefully from this life on April 12, 2014 at the age of 97. He was born June 27th, 1916, the youngest of four children to Dr. Wright Balis Taylor and Elizabeth A.Taylor in Creek, Texas.

Jack attended school grade school in Midway, Texas, graduating from Madisonville High School. His college years were spent at Sam Houston College in Huntsville, Texas. A fond memory of his was playing the drums for a local band who entertained at college and local events. Anyone who had the privilege knowing Jack soon found him to be the life of the party and always ready for a good time. This trait remained with him for 97 years.

He attended The University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston and received his D.D.S. with the Class of 1943. On May 6th, 1943 Jack married Helen Louise Roark from Dodge, Texas who was a long time family friend. Six days later, May 12, 1943 he was inducted into the Army Medical Corp to serve his country during World War II. As most WWII veterans, he had many stories to tell about his time as a Dental Officer for the 6th Field Hospital at Camp Bowie and overseas in the Aleutian Islands at Kiska, and in England, Scotland and Wales.

Following WWII he opened his dental office in Freeport, Texas where he raised his family and enjoyed life. He retired in December, 1985 after 43 years of dentistry. He remained loyal to his many patients and friends, and his beloved home town, Freeport, Texas.

Jack's passions were hunting, fishing and especially golf. His love for the game began at age 10 and, he played until the age of 94 when he could no longer find the strength to walk the distance. He was very proud of being honored at the Nacogdoches Piney Woods Country Club for competing 50+ consecutive years in their member-guest tournament. It was also a great honor for him to have the street leading into the Freeport golf course renamed "Doc Taylor Drive."

He was a Charter Member of Riverside Country Club, Meadowlake Country Club, and the Freeport Jaycees. He was a past president of the Kiwanis Club, a Master Mason of 60+ years and a member of Shriner's International. For over 60 years he was a dedicated citizen serving the community in various activities and charities.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Lou Taylor, his parents, sisters Carrie Wilson, Will Phillips and Jo Blair, and niece Lee Ann Blair Day.

Survivors who will forever miss him are his son, Jack Taylor and wife Winona, his daughter, Sue Merritt and husband John, his son, Nelson Taylor and wife Vanessa; grandchildren Wright Taylor and wife Michelle, Scott Merritt and wife Jeannette, and Michael Merritt; his great-grandchildren Preston Merritt, Anne-Marie Merritt and Madison Taylor. He is also survived by niece's Sandra Phillips Park, and Paula Phillips Bolten.

The Taylor family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Amy Stewart and Sara Richards, owners of Country Village Care in Angleton, Texas, along with their entire staff and fellow residents for the kind and professional care and abundance of love given to "Doc" the past few years and to the caring hospice nurses of Hospice Care Team (HCT).

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at Lakewood Funeral Home, 98 North Dixie Drive, Lake Jackson, Texas from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. Graveside services will be Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at the Dodge Cemetery in Dodge, Texas

In lieu of customary remembrances, if desired, memorial contributions may be made to Home Delivered Meals, P.O.Box 232, Lake Jackson, Texas 77566 or the local SPCA, 141 Canna Ln., Lake Jackson, Texas 77566

Final arrangements by the Turner Family at the Lakewood Funeral Chapel, (979)297-6464 Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lakewoodfuneralchapel.com

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