Taylor Malcolm Lewis, 74, of Willard, Mo., died at his home Saturday, Feb. 4.

Taylor was born Feb. 28, 1942, in Livingston, Montana. He was the second child of Jesse and Lavina Lewis, who preceded him in death. A 1960 graduate of Park County High School, Taylor then attended Eastern Montana College, where he studied history and education and set a school record in the 110-meter high hurdles. He married his high school sweetheart, Marlene Kay (Ray) Lewis, on Dec. 22, 1963. Their marriage produced three children and five wonderful grandchildren. Taylor and Marlene celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary last year.

Following college graduation, Taylor taught history and coached basketball at Troy High School in Montana. He was employed by Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad for 30 years, a job that took him and his family to Dickinson, N.D., Missoula, Mont., St. Paul, Minn., Shawnee, Kan., and, eventually, Springfield, Mo., in 1987.

Taylor will forever be remembered as a loving father, a devoted husband, and someone who was well-respected by many. He was an avid golfer, a crafty cribbage player and a great conversationalist who always had an opinion and wasn't afraid to share it. He had a zest for life and always made it a priority to spend time with family. Traveling was a passion of his, and he continued to explore new places and seek new experiences well after his retirement. He never liked to backtrack. You could often find him on his third attempt of working out some project idea in his immaculate workshop. More than anything, Taylor enjoyed entertaining family and friends at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Taylor is survived by his wife; daughter, Tracee Lynn, son-in-law, Richard, and grandson, Nicholas Pope, of Liberty, Mo.; son, Timothy Malcolm, daughter-in-law, Leigh, and grandchildren, Elsie, Maizie, Lanie and Toby Lewis, of Wilmington, N.C.; and daughter, Meredith Ray, and son-in-law, Joel Walsh, of Arlington, Va. He is also survived by his sister, Carol Ann Rasco, of Ft. Worth, Texas. He leaves behind "Lady Bug," a 7-year-old beagle mix, as well.

No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri.