Kenneth Ervin Taylor
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On Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, Kenneth Ervin Taylor of Twin Falls, Idaho passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter, Christine, also of Twin Falls.
He was born on Oct. 12, 1918, in Leesburg, Ohio, the son of Joseph W. and Maude E. (Cornelius) Taylor. He graduated in 1938 from Highland High School and was the school yell leader. He survived the Great Depression and later joined the United States Army, where he served for five years and saw action in West Africa, and Italy during World War II. He was a sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1945.
After the war, he became a journeyman glazer, starting a career in the glass business that led to Coast Mirror and Glass Company in San Francisco. For more than 50 years, his "Taylor-Made" hand-beveled mirrors and mirrored furniture were often featured in "Architectural Digest" and his work is displayed today in some of San Francisco's most prestigious residences, hotels and restaurants. His craft was sought after across the country for his hand decorated gold and silver leaf frames and one-of-a-kind mirrored pieces.
He was married for 50 years to the former Dorothy Lee Davis, who preceded him in death.
He was an avid golfer, who played weekly. He was well known throughout the neighborhood for his incredible "green thumb." His string beans, tomatoes and various vegetables will be missed by all who enjoyed them. He was a generous man who enjoyed creating Tiffany lamps, hand-beveled clear leaded glass art and he also matted and framed prints and paintings. He, in turn, gave all of these items away, never asking for anything but a smile and a promise to enjoy the piece. His spirit also lives on in his collections of coins and stamps, and he was an avid Civil War buff who knew everything about President Lincoln and the Civil War. He was a 52-year member of the Free and Accepted Masons and a member of the Elks Lodge.
He is survived by his five children and their spouses, William Davis "Bill" Taylor (Kim), James Allen "Jim" Taylor (Eleanor), Laurel Ann Smith (Larry), Christine Elizabeth McNurlin (Dean) and Anne Louise Taylor (Jay); seven grandchildren, Katherine Taylor Polley, Lorin Smith, Zachary Elkins, Andrew Elkins, Lily Kramlich-Taylor, Eleanore Guenon and Grace Guenon; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Betty (Joe) Taylor of Leesburg as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by twelve siblings, including the late Mae (Rufus) Huff and Joseph E. Taylor, both formerly of Leesburg.
Kenneth Taylor leaves behind a legacy of being a wonderful husband, a loving father, a generous man and a man of his word. He will be truly missed by his family and many friends.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home. No service will be held locally. A veteran's service is planned in the future in the Bay area.