Gene Taylor

Gene Carl Taylor will be forever remembered by his loving family. Gene passed away on September 8, 2022, at the ae of 74. He was born on August 31, 1948, in Safford, AZ to parents Mansel Eugene Taylor & Nellie Mae Kirchner Taylor and siblings Ray & Rick. Gene graduated from Safford High School, class of '67. He then joined the U.S. Army here in Safford and honorably served his country earning the rank of PVT E-3. After earning his Purple Heart Medal and being discharged from military service, Gene became a Police Officer with the Safford Police Department earning the position of Sargent. On October 7th of 1987, Gene married Rita J. Walton, in Las Vegas, Nevada and to that union came 6 children; Terri, Kim, and Dawna Taylor, and Allen, Wes, and Lisa Preston. Gene enjoyed spending time with his family, and going on camping & fishing trips as a family. He was a member of the Elks, and the American Legion where he worked to serve his community. One of his favorite quotes was "Don't Be Scared!" Gene is survived by his loving wife Rita Taylor, his children Terri (Mike) Dominguez, Kim Taylor, Dawna Taylor, Allen (Kim) Preston, Wes Preston, and Lisa (Brady) Norton, grandchildren Jeremy, Alex, Amanda, Mychael, Tyler, Clint, Cody, Zachary, KayCee, Lynzie, Aubrey, Halle, Taylar, Alexis, Dustin, and Braylee, and 22 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Mansel Eugene Taylor, and Nellie Mae Taylor and his beloved daughter Dawna Taylor. Services will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022, beginning with a viewing at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel with interment in the Gila Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Military honors will be held by the Gila Valley Honor Guard.