NameRobert House Taylor
Birth23 Oct 1922, Mooresville, Morgan Co., Indiana
Death10 Sep 2016, Indianapolis, Marion Co., Indiana
BurialUnion Chapel Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana
Obituary
Robert House Taylor was born in Morgan county, Indiana, near Mooresville on October 23, 1922, the son of Ray Knox and Norma House Taylor. He was born with cerebral palsy, and at the time, was given an estimated life expectancy of four years. He passed away on September 10, 2016. Had he lived another few weeks, he would have celebrated his 94th birthday. Bob always seemed to be an over-achiever.
Bob began school in Mooresville before moving with his family to the grounds of the Indiana State School for the Blind in Indianapolis, where his father became the groundskeeper. Bob and his four sisters and one brother had a marvelous place to spend their childhood.
Bob was able to attend Nora School through third grade before his physical issues and speech difficulties made it impossible to continue in public school. However, Bob's insatiable curiosity and love for learning never ceased, and his mother, a substitute teacher, became his marvelous tutor. He soaked up learning from her and from his siblings as they progressed through school. Mrs. Taylor helped start Crossroads Rehabilitation Center in Indianapolis and was active in the program for the handicapped, especially a group known as "Happy Hoboes and Sad Sacks". Bob had many friends and many adventures in those activities. Expanding horizons for people with special needs became Mrs. Taylor's crusade, with Bob at her side.
Bob loved exploring Florida's beaches with his parents. Through accompanying his parents and various siblings and their families on vacations, Bob was able to visit most states in the United States. He loved TV travel shows, re-living his own experiences.
Bob became the lawn care person for many of his neighbors, progressing from a reel-type mower to a power mower, and finally to a riding mower. He was a familiar figure seen as he pursued his tasks.
Thirty-five years ago Bob's sister, Josephine, discovered a marvelous nursing care facility in Brookville, OH, a town near her home, and she moved Bob there. Throughout those years, he received the best of care and flourished. He became adept at ceramics, participated in discussion groups, enjoyed the musical programs, and even rode behind a male nurse on a motorcycle! The staff and fellow residents at Brookhaven Nursing Care all knew Bob. They had given Bob so much love, care and respect that he almost become their mascot.
Bob had been a life-long member of Union Chapel United Methodist Church of Indianapolis. Bible study was important to Bob, and he loved his church services and the fellowship with those who love the Lord.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, his sister Josephine Dougherty, sister Janet Cox, and brother Charles Taylor. He is survived by his sister, Joan Weinland of Kettering, OH and his sister, Jean Buck of Palos Park, IL. A host of nieces and nephews would like to say, "Thanks, Uncle Bob, for all that you taught us!"
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, September 14, at Union Chapel Cemetery, 8301 Union Chapel Road, Indianapolis.