Obituary of Earl Taylor

Earl Dean Taylor December 19, 1936—June 27, 2012 Earl Dean Taylor was born in Kennet, Missouri on December 19, 1936. He was the son of the late Lindis Taylor and the late Etha (Grizzard) Taylor. He married the love of his life, the former Alvie Owens, in Virginia in 1964. They moved to this area from Chicago in 1989. Earl was self-employed for more than 30 years as a window washer for high-rise buildings, and he belonged to the Window Washers' Union. Earl was a good husband and loving father. He was a wonderful man who was loved by everyone. Those he held close to him were so important that he would do anything to help them. Earl always wanted to teach those around him, but he had little patience for them to get it right. You could say his unspoken motto was, "My way or the highway". Earl enjoyed driving and "tooling" on just about any type of motor. He was a race car fanatic and at one point he had nine cars in one race. More than anything else, however, Earl loved to fish. It was his favorite pastime. Earl Dean Taylor, age 75 of Flat Rock, passed away at 11:51am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at Oakwood Southshore Hospital. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by two sons: Teddy Blackburn and Tommy Blackburn; and five brothers: Wolford, Ralph, George, Joe, and Reece. To cherish his memory he leaves his beloved wife of 47 years: Alvie; his son: Randy (Anna) Blackburn of Illinois; his daughter: Audrey (David) Johnson of Superior Township; a daughter in law: Delia Blackburn; a sister: Stella Adcock; a brother: Ric (Theresa) Norris; a very special nephew, Jay-Jay, whom he raised as his own; and 21 grandchildren. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm Sunday, July 1, 2012 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 2, 2012, also at Merkle's. Pastor Roy Southerland, of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, will officiate. Interment will follow at Woodmere Cemetery, 9400 W. Fort Street, Detroit. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the family. Online guests may leave condolences, share a photo, make a donation, or send floral arrangements by visiting www.merklefs.com ; Online Tributes page.