November 3, 2024: A Celebration of Life: Robert "Bob" Taylor

Robert Ellis Taylor (“Bob”) was born on September 16, 1929, and passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024. Bob lived a rich and engaging life, cherished by his family and friends until the very end. He was a remarkable scholar, teacher, poet, and lifelong learner whose impact was felt by all who knew him. Bob’s journey began on his family’s farm in West Branch Iowa. He often reminisced about the farm, working 12-hour days loading hay bales and caring for the livestock. In 1951, he joined the US Air Force and served proudly as a tower operator and air traffic controller.

After his time in the military, Bob attended Cornell College in Iowa and Iowa State University, studying farm operations. In college he developed his passion for learning and went on to receive a degree in Speech Pathology, a master’s degree in human psychology at the University of Alabama, and his

doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Maryland. Bob taught Human Growth and Development at Ball State University, with a focus on the teachings of Carl Jung. In retirement, Bob worked with his wife (now late wife) Sandra (Sandy) Wood Taylor in their jewelry business, Snow

Shadow. They participated in over 35 juried art shows every year, for more than two decades.

Bob had many interests and hobbies. He wrote poetry, made jewelry, received his master gardener training, cultivated lilies, and led study and poetry and groups, while consistently studying the psychology and concepts of Carl Jung on his own. Over the course of his life, Bob enjoyed cooking, he owned a flour mill, made root beer soda, tended goats, and much more. Bob was passionate about music and opera and attended many concerts and performances over his lifetime. He also loved art and began doing various artwork on his own in the last few years. He was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church, where he also participated in the UU chalice circles. Bob dedicated his life not only to his personal interests, but also to educating and sharing his knowledge with anyone with whom he came in contact.

Bob is survived by his daughters Shelley Taylor, and Jan Taylor Schultz, son-in-law Wade Schultz, and grandchildren, Isabelle Russell, and Benton Schultz. His entire family adored his zest for life and youthful spirit. Bob had a twinkle in his eyes and loved to playfully tease everyone, especially his nurses and doctors. His charm and warmth made him beloved by all, and his absence will be deeply felt.

“Hope” is the thing with feathers -

That perches in the soul -

And sings the tune without the words -

And never stops - at all -

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -

And sore must be the storm -

That could abash the little Bird

That kept so many warm -

I’ve heard it in the chillest land -

And on the strangest Sea -

Yet - never - in Extremity,

It asked a crumb - of me.

- Emily Dickinson

In memory of Bob, gifts may be made to Malembe Rise, a 501(c)(3) education nonprofit that works with young people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Everyone at Malembe Rise has been profoundly impacted by Bob, including Congolese children halfway around the world. Envelopes are available at the reception or you can give online www.MalembeRise.org