Donald C. Taylor

Hartford City, IN

Donald C. Taylor, 92, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2017, in Indianapolis at his daughter Linda's home.

The son of Elmer and Grace (Barrett) Taylor, Don was born on November 1, 1924, in Eaton, Indiana. When Don was in the third grade, he took a long walk to his sister Lenna Runyon's house where he would live until he graduated from Eaton High School in 1942. Don went on to serve his country in the Army where he worked in tank transportation.

On February 1, 1947, he married the love of his life, Mary L. Spangler. Together they would have three children.

Don loved to work on his 66 acre farm. He also worked for Warner Gear, retiring after 40 years of employment and worked as an auctioneer for 25 years. He was a avid fan and enjoyed watching Purdue, the Pacers and the Colts.

He was a long-time member of the Eaton United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge F&AM #606, Scottish Rite, Valley of Ft. Wayne, and the Shriners. Additionally, Don was a member of the Amvets and was a 50 year member of the Elks Lodge #625 in Hartford City.

Surviving family members include his daughters, Linda Smelser (Tom) of Indianapolis, and Cinda Taylor of Goshen; grandchildren: Brandon Smelser (Dawn) of Westfield, Michael Smelser (Shelly) of Tigard, OR, and Michelle Smelser (Russ) of Sebastopol, CA; five great-grandchildren: Austin Smelser, Sierra Smelser, Jackson Smelser, Donnie Cloncs, and Dracen Cloncs; son-in-law, Jim Perkins (Mary); two sister-in-laws, Harriet Spangler Roberts and JoAnne Taylor; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Elmer Taylor and Grace Wright, Don was preceded in death by his wife Mary in 2009; a daughter, Susan Perkins; five brothers: Earl, Denzil, Vernon, Billy, and Eldon, and sister, Lenna Runyon.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at the Eaton United Methodist Church, South & Elm Streets, Eaton, with Pastor Roger Walby and Pastor Keith Williams officiating. Burial with Military Funeral Honors by the Delaware County Veterans Honor Guard will follow at Elm Ridge Cemetery.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2017, at Pitman-Richman Funeral Home, 200 S. Hartford St., Eaton, and from 9:00-10:00 Saturday at the church.

Masonic Rites will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday to be followed by Elks Rites.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.

Visit watersfuneralhomes.com to sign the guestbook or leave a condolence.