Thomas Taylor Obituary

Durango resident Thomas Michael Taylor died Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango. He was 74.

Known as "Mike," he was born to Thomas and Juanita Taylor on Dec. 3, 1939, in Cape Girardeau, Mo. He grew up and attended schools in Missouri.

Mr. Taylor earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from Rolla University, now the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

After working various jobs in various places, he was a civil engineer for Public Works for the city of Ventura, Calif., for more than 30 years.

"He had made many trips to see his parents in Missouri from California," according to his family, "and he usually stopped in Durango, and that was how he came to know the area. He had a dream of wanting to retire in Durango, and it was fulfilled."

Mr. Taylor enjoyed reading Louie L'Amour novels, watching Westerns and going to the Bar-D Chuckwagon. He had appreciation for the Native American culture. He also liked to golf, watch golf on TV and was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. He also enjoyed watching the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Avalanche.

Mr. Taylor is survived by his wife, Gloria Taylor of Durango; daughters Tracy Pasquotto of Phoenix and Michele Phillips of Glendale, Ariz.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Cremation will occur. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, at Hood Mortuary Chapel, 1261 East Third Ave.