Merle Burleson Taylor passed away on February 9, 2023 at Manor Park in Midland. She was born July 23, 1929 in El Paso, Texas to Charles Clinton Bowers and Manilla Pence Bowers. She was the youngest of 3 children, sister, Louise, and brother Charles Clinton Jr. She was preceded in death by her husbands, parents, siblings, daughter, Leslie Burleson and granddaughter Emily Burleson Walker.
Merle, a lifelong artist, graduated with a Commercial Art degree from Texas State College for Women and
began her teaching career at El Paso Bowie HS. She married John A. Burleson on April 8, 1950 and moved to Midland in 1951 where Merle taught art at Cowden Jr. High, Carver High and Lee High until retirement. John Burleson died in 1993.
Merle married L.B. Taylor Jr. on June 9, 1996 at Trinity Presbyterian Church. They served as Deacons and Elders in TPC and they enjoyed dancing as well as traveling, especially in the northwestern states, Colorado, New Mexico, Canada and Europe. Merle and L.B. moved to Manor Park, Midland in 2014. L.B. Taylor passed away on November 29, 2022.
She was active in the Midland Arts Association where she served in various capacities including board member, show Chairman, work shop Chairman, Secretary and President. She was honored as Distinguished Artist in 2004. In 2012, she was honored as a Charter Member of the MAA.
Survivors include her son Brian Burleson (Mary) of McKinney, TX, granddaughter Ashley Burleson (Brinton) of Los Angeles, CA, Shanon Walker of Allen, TX, step-daughter Tina Taylor of Midland, stepson Terry Taylor of McKinney, TX, step-son Timothy Taylor of Houston, TX , grandsons Jeffrey Hoover (Kimberlee) of Denver, CO, Cody Hoover (Andi) of San Antonio, TX and Harrison Taylor (Hannah) of Kalamazoo, MI and great grandchildren Holland Walker, Brody Walker, Beau Burleson, Harper Hooper, Chase Hooper and Tripp Taylor.
A celebration of Life will be held for Merle and L.B. at Parks Faudree Family Chapel at Manor Park later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
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