John Edward Taylor (1944-2025)

With his razor-sharp mind and edgy sarcastic humor, you might get the wrong impression of John Edward Taylor at first meeting. But find a more genuine, generous, loving man on earth, I challenge.

He was born in Royal Oak, MI June 26, 1944 to Cloyde and Hilda (Hermann) Taylor, attended Kimbal High School and achieved his B.S. from Michigan State University. After two years in the US Air Force, where he was stationed at Wilford Hall Hospital in San Antonio, TX, he returned to Michigan State for his MSW in Social Work. He was recruited by the State of California to work at Atascadero State Hospital, where he rose to the position of Program Director of a four ward treatment program for the criminally insane. After retirement from Atascadero, he worked as a consultant for a 30- bed acute care psychiatric hospital at Corcoran State Prison. He finished his work in California as a hospice social worker. John enjoyed riding motorcycles and racing sailboats in Morro Bay.

He retired in Taos, NM where he enjoyed hiking, cross country skiing, and his beautiful home in Ranchos de Taos. In 2021, he met his later-in-life partner, Deborah, and they consequently moved to Montereau in Tulsa, OK to be near John's daughter and family.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Claudia Workman.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his daughter, Jennifer Haase (Chris Haase), grandson Zachary, ex-wives Diane Dadson and V. Henlie Sturgeon, and life-partner Deborah Gwin.

Please send memorial gifts to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

A memorial service will be held at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 12:30 PM.

Arrangements and cremation services have been entrusted to Moore Funeral Home - Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E. 51st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74145. 918-663-2233. www.moorefuneral.com .