Wilford L. Taylor

Knowing the value of hard work, Wilford L. Taylors main priority in life was to provide for and love his family well. An intelligent man with a wit second to none, Wilford gave of himself freely to those he loved with patience and understanding, and it was in the presence of family that he found his true treasure. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by those he leaves behind. The year was 1913 and many changes in the scope of American culture were quickly evolving as the threat of World War I loomed overseas. The first assembly line was established by Henry Ford in Detroit, Michigan, and at 60 stories, the acclaimed Woolworth Building was completed, towering over New York City. The infamous song Danny Boy was introduced as an American favorite and the erector set was the hot new toy being introduced to childrens imaginations for years to come. For Carl and Mary (McDonald) Taylor of Grand Rapids, Michigan, the year brought with it much change as well when on February 26, 1913, they welcomed the birth of their first child, a little boy they named Wilford into their lives. Wilford was later joined by younger siblings Helen, Stella and Kip. His father worked as a laborer while Wilfords mother stayed home to care for the children. Times were lean for young families during the war and Wilfords parents worked hard to provide a secure and loving home for their children. When Wilford was in elementary school, the family packed up and moved north to Baldwin where Wilford spent much of his childhood years, gaining a love for fishing along the Pere Marquette River, and enjoying all that Baldwin had to offer a typical young boy. The area even boasts a bridge named after the Taylor family heritage. As times became harder for families, poaching became a big problem along the rivers and lakes, as well as within the Manistee National Forest where illegal hunters and fisherman placed the conservation of the area at stake. When Wilford was in his teens, times were especially difficult for families caused by the Great Depression. The family eventually settled in Muskegon where the hope of more opportunity existed. Wilford finished his school years there, graduating from Muskegon High School with the Class of 1932. Following high school, Wilford found work at the A & P Grocery Store and then Neisner's Five and Dime. He later set out on his own, moving to Mansfield, Ohio where he would become a manager at Neisners Five and Dime. The retail atmosphere suited Wilford well. While making a trip to Indiana to visit his cousin, Wilford met a young lady named Jenola Ross who stole his heart. The two were quite taken with one another, and after a brief courtship, they became husband and wife on April 23, 1938 in Donaldson, Indiana. Making their home in Muskegon in an apartment on Marquette Avenue, Wilford found employment working at Continental Motors. During World War II, Wilford was exempt from military service in order to perform his duties as a master machinist there. His work at Continental Motors would eventually prove to be a good and stable income for Wilford in providing for his family. Wilford also invested and participated in other business ventures, such as, Taylor Wheelbarrow Co., Taylors Trailers and Acme Piling Co. His upbringing during times of struggle and hardship often made Wilford worrisome, as well as somewhat of a private fellow. It was not long before Wilford and Jenola was blessed when daughter Barb came along in 1939. They welcomed son Carl in 1943, followed by Bob in 1945, and their youngest, Mary, was born in 1948. They bought their first family home on Seventh Street in Muskegon Heights. Along with his brother Kip, Wilford built a home in 1947 for his family at 346 Bennett Street in Muskegon where they made fond and lasting memories. Each of the Taylor children attended Marquette Elementary School, and graduated from Muskegon High School. Wilford cherished his family, provided well for them and made for a very loving husband and father. His family was his priority, and his most treasured times in life were spent in their company. In 1955, Wilford and Jenola bought the Riblet Gardens and changed the name to Taylors Variety Store. It became quite a successful business with the entire family working together at the store, making for wonderful memories. The business thrived as all of the family did their part at the store while Wilford continued his work at the plant. But life was not about all work and no play, and many Sunday afternoons were spent on family drives taking in the sites and spending great times together. Wilfords mother Mary died in 1959. Eventually, the variety store was closed in 1963 as the Federal Urban Renewal came to the neighborhood. Sadly, it was only a few short years after closing the store that Wilfords father also passed away in 1966. When grandchildren came along, Wilford was delighted. He was very dedicated to the lives of his grandchildren and relished hearing about their families and activities. His favorite time of the year was Christmas when he was sure to play Santa. Throughout the years, and well after retirement, Wilford spent his spare time enjoying a good game of bowling or reading. His love for fishing continued from his childhood, and he spent much time fishing for perch off the Muskegon channel. He also found joy tending to his garden. With the children grown and having families and lives of their own, Wilford and Jenola took time for some traveling, taking various trips to Florida, New Yorks Niagara Falls, and down south to Nashville, Tennessee. For 64 years, Wilford expressed his never ending love for Jenola each anniversary by giving her roses. Wilford experienced the devastating loss of Jenola on October 11, 2002, and his health quickly went downhill. He remained in the family home that he so dearly loved on Bennett Street until he was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease in 1997. For almost 13 long years, Wilfords family sadly witnessed the man that they each had known as a hard working, intelligent and loving father suffer from the debilitating disease. On Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at the age of 96, Wilford L. Taylor died peacefully. Wilford is survived by his sons, Carl (Nancy) Taylor of IN and Robert (Carol) Taylor of Muskegon; daughters, Barbara (Raymond) Rumsey of Brooklyn and Mary Oudsema of Muskegon; 13 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; his brother, Clifford Taylor of FL; sisters, Helen Arnold and Stella Maynard, both of Muskegon; several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, Wilford was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Ken Arnold and Edwin Maynard. A service to celebrate the life of Wilford L. Taylor will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2009, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel with Dr. Gerald Wahr officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Friends may meet with his family on Friday from 6-8 PM & on Saturday for one hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Alzheimer's Association or Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can submit a favorite photo of Wilford, leave a memory or sign his online guestbook.