Robert "Dale" Taylor, 79, of Willard, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2019 in Springfield after a sudden illness.

Dale was born at home on July 9, 1939 in Springfield, the only child of Harry and Nellie Taylor. His early years were spent in Garrison, MO, being raised by his loving aunts and uncles. In his early teens, he moved to Wichita, KS to live with his parents. At that time, he left school to begin working.

He met Sharon Preston and they married in 1959. Their daughter Cindy was born in 1960. Dale was a long-time employee of Kraft Foods, beginning in Wichita and later transferring to Springfield before retiring in the early 90s.

Dale married Cathy in 1992. They enjoyed their life together living in both Springfield and Willard.

Dale enjoyed traveling in his camper with friends, spending time at Table Rock Lake and participating in activities with Gate of the Temple Lodge and Abou Ben Adhem Shrine.

Central to Dale's life was spending time on his family's land in Garrison, which he also loved sharing with family and friends. He spent countless hours there and it was his happy place. Throughout his life, church was important to him. In his later years, he was devoted to his Men's Group at Renew United Methodist Church. Their annual apple butter making was a favorite event. Part of Dale's everyday life was centered around his dogs, particularly Star and Jake.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sharon.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy Taylor of Willard; daughter Cindy Elliott (partner Carl Ferrell) of Springfield; stepsons Greg Roeder of Colorado and Jason Roeder (Suzan) of Bolivar; daughter-in-law Suzanne Helton of Willard; grandchildren Braden Taylor Elliott of Vermont, Dalton Robert Elliott of Kansas City, and Danielle Roeder of Willard; and many other close family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 28, 2019 from 1:00 – 2:00 PM at Renew United Methodist Church, Willard, MO. Memorial Services will follow at 2:00 PM, with Rev. Harold Gold officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Renew United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or Masonic Home of MO – Children's Outreach Program.

Dale was a dependable, hard-working, fun-loving husband, Daddy and Papa. We will miss him.