Robert H. “Chef Bob” Taylor 77, of West Liberty, Ohio, passed away Tuesday March 19, 2024, in the VA Hospital Dayton, Ohio.
He was born September 8, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the late Robert W. & Katherine (Krimpelbein) Taylor. Survivors include his wife Patricia; daughters Kimberly (Jesse) Richards and Nicole Taylor; sister Vicky Werner; brothers Raymond (Pam) Taylor and Scott (Donna) Taylor; grandchildren John Robert Richards and Isabelle Grace Richards; many nieces and nephews.
Bob served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and returned home to Wisconsin in 1969. He attended and graduated from Milwaukee Area Technical College with an Associate Degree in Restaurant and Hotel Cookery.
In 1973, he married Patricia Thompson on August 18th in Jacksonville, Illinois. They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.
In 1976, they moved to Bellefontaine, Ohio, when Bob accepted the position as Food Service Director at Mary Rutan Hospital. Throughout the years, Bob’s love of being creative with food and making people enjoy their food brought him to many places in the surrounding Logan County such as Taylor Made Catering, Robert Taylors Douglas Inn, AVI food service at Honda of America, Taylors Place, and many others. His desire was to help people enjoy their meal whether in a hospital bed, factory cafeteria, church social, or even dinner out with family and friends.
Later on in his life, Bob decided to switch careers, by becoming an over the road truck driver. He experienced traveling both east and west of Ohio. Bob was an avid classic car enthusiast, being a member of Top of Ohio Cruisers and enjoyed car shows with his 1962 Chevy Impala
Bob enjoyed watching his two daughters grow up attending their band performances and choir concerts in school. He also encouraged their career choices. When the grandchildren arrived, he was eager to take care of them and love them. He was also loved by his nieces and nephews as “funny Uncle Bubba”
Pastor Eric Cook will officiate a funeral service at noon Thursday, March 28, at Jennings Farley & Seeley Funeral Home and Crematory 5591 US Highway 68 S. West Liberty, Oh 43357. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Dayton VA Lakeside Manor for their great care over the last 4 and ½ years and the Victory Ridge staff for their compassion and care during his last few days.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to: West Liberty-Salem Band Boosters; Calvary Christian School Arts Boosters; or the Parkinsons Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 300, Miami, Florida 33131.