Douglas Taylor

Douglas A Taylor, our wonderful father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor, friend, and hero returned home to Heavenly Father and loved ones on January 25, 2023.  

Doug was born on July 8, 1944 to May Louise Taylor and Douglas Farr Taylor.  Doug was the first child in a family of five children.  

Doug spent most of his life in his hometown of Pima, AZ.  After high school, Doug served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Alaska/British Columbia Mission from 1963 - 1965.  Soon after his mission he returned home and got engaged to Leora McBride. The two were married in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on April 22, 1966.  They raised eight children together, who were the pride of their lives.

Doug spent many years working construction.  In the early 1990s, Doug began working as the Superintendent of Public Works for the City of Safford.  After retiring there he began construction work again as a superintendent where he was traveling to parts of Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico.  As long as he had his loving wife by his side, he was ready for any traveling work adventure.

Doug’s life was filled with service in his community and church.  He was an elected town councilman and worked to better the community of Pima.  Also, he served in countless church callings. One opportunity that tops his list of favorite callings in church service was being a Temple Coordinator with Leora at the Gila Valley Temple Baptistry.  

Doug’s pastimes were filled with woodworking projects, gardening, listening to music, and watching movies. For many summers you could count on finding Doug up at the family cabin on Mt. Graham in Old Columbine.  Another place he really loved was Disneyland.  There have been countless trips with his children and grandchildren. For the last several years he also loved visiting the California beaches with his family.

Doug was a true disciple of Jesus Christ and he shared love with all he met.  He was one of the truest examples of service, friendship, forgiveness, hard work, faith, and love.  His example will live on through his children, grandchildren, and so many others that knew him.

Funeral services for Doug will be conducted Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at the Pima Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Bishop Jared Ray of the Pima First Ward. Concluding services will follow in the Pima Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday evening, February 3, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Vining Funeral Home and Saturday morning, February 4, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m., at the Pima Stake Center Relief Society Room of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Those who would like to attend the services via Facebook Live can join on Vining Funeral Home's Facebook page, Saturday morning, February 4, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. (MST).