John Larry Taylor's Obituary
Obituary
John Lawrence “Larry” Taylor was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on November 9, 1921 to Manuel & Agnes Taylor. He attended MacDonell H.S. No. 35 and graduated in 1940. He attended Xavier University majoring in music, playing the guitar and clarinet. However, his schooling was interrupted when he was drafted to serve his country during World War II while in the United States Navy. After completing Boot Camp Training at Great Lakes Naval Base in North Chicago, Illinois in 1942, he was sent to the U.S. Navy Band where he was among one of the first African American men of the Original Station Swing Band and was rated as MUS3c. He had a total of 42 years which included time served in the Navy with the Department of Defense.
He confessed Christ and was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Oakland, California where he received communion. He was married to Mary Winchester in 1940. He then later married Manuelita M. Taylor of Albuquerque, New Mexico, who preceded him in death on July 25, 1978. He continued to raise his children. Later in life he married Gladys Cheeks-Taylor of New York, who preceded his death on August 14, 1999.
John departed this life on August 23, 2014 at the age of 92 years old he was preceded in death by his son Jose Vigil and son-in-law (Johnnie Grate). He leaves to cherish in his memory 9 children; 7 Sons: John Jr. (Angela), Joseph (Naydiah), Jerome (Avril), David (Joan), Earl (LaCondra) & Kenneth (Carol) Taylor; and Charles Cheeks (Lita); 2 Daughters: Olivia Grate and Elizabeth Woods (Wilbert); 14 Grandsons; 10 Granddaughters; 4 Granddaughter in-laws; 1 Grandson in-law; 6 Great-great grandsons; 14 Great-great granddaughters; and a host of other relatives and close friends.
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