John W. Taylor Jr.

Retired US Army LTC John W. Taylor, Jr., Las Cruces resident since 1986, passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his father John W. Taylor, Sr. John was born on April 29, 1942, in Texarkana, Arkansas. After graduating from Texas A & M University, John met his future wife, Joyce, in El Dorado, Arkansas in 1965 while waiting to join the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. The married later in 1965 and began a 45 year journey together. John spent 20 years in the US Army, serving with distinction in Viet Nam and 2 tours in Germany. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1986 and relocated to Las Cruces to begin working at White Sands Missile Range soon after. After working at WSMR, John worked for the University of New Mexico, the Las Cruces Country Club and the Ysleta Independent School District in El Paso. John retired for a second time in 2005. John was an avid golfer and long time member of the Las Cruces Country Club where he was renowned for his Ping-a-copter technique of returning his clubs to his bag after a poor shot and made many lasting friendships. He was a man of true integrity and was a role model to his sons and to many of the men and women who served with him in the military. He was a great friend, husband, father and Grandpa and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our sorrows are tempered knowing his pain is gone and his is finally at peace with his Lord. John is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Joyce, his son John W. Taylor III of Albuquerque, NM, son Marc Taylor of Los Alamos, NM, grandsons Nathan, Thomas, John William(IV), Ross Henry, Ty Monroe, granddaughter Sarah Elizabeth, Mother Inez Taylor of El Dorado, AR, and a sister, Priscilla Joy of Glens Falls, NY. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7pm today Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011 at Getz Funeral Home. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 2:00 pm also at the Getz Funeral Home. John's remains will be laid to rest at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Friday, Aug. 26, 2011 at 11:15 am with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to