Frank Allan Taylor

Frank Allan Taylor, 78, passed away peacefully Feb. 8, 2024, at the West Texas Veterans Affairs Community Living Center in Big Spring, Texas. Born on Jan. 14, 1946, Frank was raised in Artesia, N.M., by parents Maxine Berry Taylor and Joe Grant Taylor, who preceded him in death.

Frank is survived by three children and seven grandchildren: Lena Kimmons Vahle (Brendan); Janell Taylor (Miranda, Katie, Kennedy and Presley); and Grant Taylor (Liam and Mabel). Frank is also survived by two sisters – Mary Taylor Cornell and Kathryn Taylor Plybon.

In 1964, during his senior year of high school and upon turning 18, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his nearly 25-year military career, Frank served more than three years in two extended tours in the Vietnam War, trained soldiers as a drill sergeant at Fort Sill, Okla., and helped protect European allies during the Cold War, among other valorous duties. He retired at the rank of First Sergeant in 1988.

Upon his military retirement, Frank relocated with his family to Artesia. During his residency in New Mexico, he worked for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and earned a degree from Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell to become a certified occupational therapy assistant. Years later, while living in Colorado, Frank worked for the state Department of Transportation. He retired from CDOT in 2009 and moved to San Angelo, Texas, to be close to family. He volunteered with the Community Medical Center auxiliary and followed the San Angelo Colts while the professional baseball team was incorporated.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the CLC staff at West Texas VA hospital in Big Spring and the Veteran team at West Texas Counseling & Guidance in San Angelo.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to West Texas Counseling & Guidance Veterans Services https://www.sanangelocounseling.org/veteran-services , Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association https://cvma23-12.org/, or other Veteran organization.

Frank will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Big Spring. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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