William O. Taylor, a former teacher and principal of what was once the Culver City Junior High School, will turn 100 on Feb. 8. According to his daughter Karen, he retired from the school on June 27, 1975. He never missed a school activity and retired one year early, with pay, because of his accumulated sick leave, she said.
“Mother often felt like a widow during the school term,” she said.
Taylor moved to Missouri, taught for a while, then retired again, she said. At the age of 90 he started substituting again, but quit when his wife became ill. Her Alzheimer’s disease became severe and “he locked himself in the house with her for three years,” she said, adding that he refused to put her in a nursing home and took care of her every hour of every day until her death.
“He is honest and never even cheated on his taxes,” said Karen. “I have never known him to lie, cuss, or talk against another human being.”
Every day for the past 10 years, Taylor has eaten lunch at a local McDonald’s restaurant, where he is greeted by name. He has developed diabetes and high blood pressure.
One day, he fell in his kitchen and shattered his right shoulder. He was put in a nursing home but still insisted on his McDonalds lunch routine. After three months in the facility, Taylor told his family it was time to go home, which is where he resides today.
Taylor’s address, included for anyone wishing to send regards, is 1004 E. Ninth St, Lamar, MO 64759.
Mary Strauss Bayless Says:
Tue, Jan 18 2011 03:03 PMCongratulations and Happy Birthday! Wishing you the very best from all the Strauss kids. May there be many more birthdys.
Joe Faust Says:
Sun, Jan 16 2011 08:20 PMFond memories of Coach Taylor. Smooth strong leader. Happy Birthday, Coach.
Karen, some questions. Write to editor@upperwindpower.com
Lift to you and yours
Mary White Says:
Sat, Jan 15 2011 05:39 PMToo bad we don't have more principals like Bill anymore. I taught at Culver City Jr Hi from 1969-1981. He was a very hard working, honest administrator and great person. So glad to hear that he is still "kicking".
Carla Nelson (Stevenson-Roesch) Says:
Fri, Jan 14 2011 10:45 AMHi--So glad to hear about Bill Taylor! I taught at Culver City Jr. High from 1961 to 1973, when I transferred to the high school, from which I retired in 1994.
Bill was a great administrator, teacher and person--so glad to hear he is still alive!