Extracted from The Natchez Democrat (Natchez, MS)
Travis Dock Taunton
VIDALIA, La. -- Graveside funeral services for Mr. Travis Dock Taunton, 84, of
Vidalia, La., will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park today at 10 a.m. with
the Rev. Jim Benbrook officiating. Interment will under the direction of
Young's Funeral Home of Vidalia.
Mr. Taunton was born June 27, 1921, in Jonesville, La. He passed away
Thursday, July 21, 2005, in Natchez.
Mr. Taunton was raised near Jonesville, La. He was a long time resident of
Vidalia, La., where he owned the local ESSO station, Oil Field Rentals,
retired as Natchez District Manager of Weatherford-Lamb, and he was a
founder of Vidalia Dock and Storage. Mr. Taunton was a member of the First
Baptist Church of Vidalia, the 5th District Levee Board, charter member of
the Vidalia Chamber of Commerce, and charter member of the Vidalia Lions
Club. Mr. Taunton served his country in the United States Army from 1942 to
1945 during World War II. He attained the rank of Master Sergeant. During
his tour he was involved in battles known as the Air Offense Japan and
Eastern Mandate. He served with the 62nd Bomb Squadren where he was a flight
engineer on B-29 Super Fortress in Pacific Theater stationed in Tinian
Islands. He recieved the following decorations Asiatic-Pacific Theater
Ribbon, Distinguished Flying Cross, Good Conduct Medal, and the Air Medal.
Mr. Taunton was an avid outdoorsman and was a charter member of Rifle Point
Hunting Club where he has spent as much time as possible with his wife,
children, and grandchildren enjoying the beauty of nature and time with
family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Willa Anderson Taunton; his father,
Bullard David Taunton; his mother, Rosie Mae Taunton; three brothers, Jack
Taunton, Thompson Taunton and Oliver ``Bud'' Taunton; two sisters, Nannie
Taunton Bass and Ethel Taunton Poole.
He is survived by two sons, Brent Taunton and wife Disa of Vidalia, La., and
Mark Taunton and wife Kathleen of Natchez; two grandsons, Travis Taunton of
Dauphin Island, Ala., and Andy Taunton of Natchez; a granddaughter,
Catherine Taunton of Natchez; numerous nieces and nephews.
The pallbearers will be friends of the family.
In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the charity of
your choice.
Saturday, July 23, 2005