Obituary: Robert Taylor, 72, Ushered For Cubs

Robert Taylor, 72, of Evanston, IL, died May 16 at St. Francis Hospital. He was born Feb. 19, 1941 in Marshall, MO. where he lived until moving to Mansfield, OH. at age 7. He returned to MO. in 1959 to attend William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo. but took a year off to go to Kenya with the World Council of Churches in 1962. Upon return to the States he enrolled at George William College in Hyde Park, Chicago, and after graduating returned to Africa with the YMCA, first to Ethiopia for the summer, then to Uganda to complete the year. He married Ladonna Johnson of La Porte, IN. in February of 1968. Daughter Claire was born in Aug 1973 and Carin was born May 1976. Robert went to graduate school at Jane Addams in Chicago for his Masters degree in Social Work. He worked at Reed Zone Center for a year then joined the staff at NSSEO where he worked from 1971 till his retirement in 2000. 

Robert had fun in his retirement working at Lemoi Hardware briefly and subbing as a teachers aid in North Shore Schools. He was an usher for the Cubs in the 2001 and 2002 seasons and volunteered as a supernumerary for the Lyric Opera in 2004 and 2005. 

Health problems developed in 2005 and dominated much of his life until his death. He faced all of his health problems with grace and dignity and a sense of humor. His sense of humor was a delight to all who knew him. His whole life was devoted to service for others both in his work and in his private life. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ladonna and by his daughters Claire and Carin, son in-law Hugh Muschamp and grandson Ben, brother Dr. William M Taylor of Mount Gilead OH. and sister Mary Ann Donaldson of Newton MA. and 6 nieces and nephews, and 8 grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents the Rev. William M. Taylor and Mary E. Taylor of Mansfield, OH. 

Services were held Saturday May 25, 2013, at First United Methodist Church of Evanston, 516 Church Street, Evanston, IL 60201. 

This obituary was reprinted with permission of Donnellan Family Funeral Services.