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Ira E. Taylor

Ira Elijah Taylor, 87, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 after a lengthy illness from El Dorado,AR.

He was born in Lily, Louisiana, October 24, 1919, the son of William Warren Taylor and Clara Brazil Taylor.

He spent his youth and young adult life in the Summerfield, Louisiana area. He farmed, was a carpenter, and after moving to El Dorado, Arkansas, he worked for the Coca-Cola Company as a route salesman. Mr. Taylor joined the U.S. Navy in 1944, and was stationed in Newport, R. I. He was a proud member of the armed services in WWII, best described by NBC newsman Tom Brokaw, as American's Greatest Generation. After the War, he returned to El Dorado ARin 1946, and continued his work with the Coca-Cola Company, making manager in 1948, and retiring in 1979, after a serious illness forced his retirement.

Ira was a lifelong Christian and lived his life by example based on solid Christian principles, and was a member of the Marrable Hill Chapel, El Dorado, AR. He strongly believed in “giving back” to his community, and helped many people throughout his lifetime who were in need, spiritually and financially.

He is preceded in death by his brother Frank Taylor, sisters Eva Freeman and Georgia Welch, and his beloved wife of 44 years, Lessie Ruth Taylor and their son, William Taylor. He is survived by his brother Thomas Aiken of Crossett, AR, and his sister Edna Whitson, Shreveport, LA., and by his children, Warren Taylor of Jackson, MS, Walter Taylor, El Dorado, AR, Christine Johnson, Ruston, LA, Mark Taylor, Oklahoma City, OK, Judy Taylor, Tulsa, OK, 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers are Jessie Bates, Gary Fleming, Troy Johnson, George Welch, Johnny Welch, and Larry Neely.

Visitation will be held at Young's Funeral Home, 508 Champagnolle Road, El Dorado, Friday evening from 6 to 8 pm.

Funeral services will be held at Young's on Saturday, March 24th, at 1 o'clock pm with Rev. Ben Wasson officiating. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery immediately following the service.