Warren Edward Taylor

Warren Edward Taylor died Sunday, September 22, 2024 in his home in Topeka, Kansas, surrounded by family. Cremation has taken place.

Warren was born on Friday, July 10th 1942 in Parsons, Kansas. He was the fourth son of Velva Clara Reynolds Taylor and Shelby Horton Taylor. He remembered and treasured the story of his birth, as told by his mother. When she went into labor, Doctor Baird, who was in his office, was contacted to report to the hospital. Being without his automobile, she reported, he ran out into the street and jumped onto the running board of the nearest car passing by, ordering the driver to take him to Mercy Hospital at once. Whether true or not, it was a delightful story and Warren loved to hear it.

Warren attended Washington Elementary and West Jr. High schools in Parsons. His father, who worked for the MK&T Railroad, lost his job there in 1957. Subsequently he was able to find employment in Topeka at the then new State Office Building at 10th and Topeka Boulevard. This job change necessitated a move from small town life to the "big city."

In Topeka, Warren attended Topeka High School for his Junior and Senior years. He graduated with the class of 1960. It was at this school where he met his best friend, David Woods, with whom he would keep contact for the rest of his life.

Warren entered Washburn University in the fall term of 1960. He attended there for two years, later taking some night classes. He did not achieve a degree, but found the experience rewarding while giving him a deeper understanding of what life would hold for him.

In 1962, Warren went to work for the Crosby Brothers Department Store in Topeka. His years there were quite productive. He started as the assistant manager for the basement Budget Store. From there he was transferred to the Advertising Department and then back to the basement store when it became a Bargain Store under new owners. 

His manager in the Bargain Store saw potential in Warren, and asked for a transfer for him to the Chicago Goodman’s discount store. There he would be a buyer for sporting goods and house wares. After a year there, and meeting many new and interesting people, Warren decided that life in Topeka was more to his taste and resigned to return home.

Upon returning to Topeka, he was again employed by Crosby Brother's as the buyer for the Men's Department, He stayed there for a year and a half, until deciding that retailing was just not for him.

In the fall of 1971, Warren was fortunate to find a job at the Topeka Public Library in the Acquisitions Department. He worked in that area until 1976 at which time he was made the manager of the new Topeka Room and Special Collections departments. Warren always credited James C. Marvin, head librarian, for being his mentor and promoting him to the new position despite his lack of degrees. He also recognized Tom Muth, assistant librarian, for being one of his firmest backers for promotion. Some of his greatest joys while at the library were the opportunity to present outside programs on Topeka history and the establishment of a very well attended film series. Warren retired from the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library in 2003 after 32 years of service.

Warren’s interest in the Topeka theater community was a vital part of his life. He acted in and directed several productions for the Topeka Civic Theatre, once winning the Renna Hunter award for best supporting actor in the play, "Morning's at Seven." It was at TCT that he made many life-long friends. He was also involved in the Helen Hocker Theater in Gage Park.

Warren served on several boards of directors in the community, including, Topeka Civic Theatre, Shawnee County Historical Society, Helen Hocker Theater, West Side Christian Church board of Trustees, Historic Topeka, Ward Meade Park Advisory board, Mount Hope Cemetery Association, Lakeside Apartments Inc., Homeowners Association, and Friends of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. Warren was a long-time member of the West Side Christian Church (DOC).

After retirement his feelings for and love of the library did not fade. He took an active interest in the Friends of the Library and worked diligently on the annual book sale held by that organization. He was chair of the sale for several years. The library was always his home away from home. In later years, Warren was able to provide funds to underwrite a study room in the library, dedicated to the memory of his mother, Velva C. Taylor.

Two of his personal passions were collecting Rookwood pottery and railroad memorabilia. He and his two dear friends, Jeanne and Carol, would often strike out on an adventure road trip looking for items to add to his collections. Those were special times indeed.

Warren and his mother, Velva, made their home together for over fifty years. He was pleased that he was available for his mother in her later years and could become her caretaker. She was very dear to him.

Warren was predeceased by his parents and brothers Shelby E. Taylor, Davie L. Taylor and Charles R. Taylor.

He is survived by his brother, Michael K. (Deborah) Taylor, and sisters-in-law Nancy Taylor and Erika Taylor, He is also survived by12 nieces and nephews: Shelley Dubois, Brett (Dixie) Taylor, Brian (Julie) Taylor, Dan (Lori) Taylor, David (Dr. Audrey) Taylor, Robin (Keith) Guffey, Dean Taylor, Chad (Kathy) Taylor, Jason (Stacy) Taylor, Dustin (Stephanie) Taylor, Scott Taylor, Katherine (Rebel) Creighton; many great nieces and nephews and some great, great nieces and nephews, and his very dear friends, Jeanne Mithen and Tom Muth.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 5th 2024 at the West Side Christian Church, 432 SW Lindenwood Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66606 with inurnment at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be given to the Library Foundation of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, the West Side Christian Church or the charity of the donor's choice.

Warren's final thoughts are these:

To yourself be ever true. Do not be afraid to express what is most dear to you and that which lives in your heart. We are here for only one time, and death is an eternity. To those who have loved me, I return that love one thousand-fold.