Col. (Ret.) Eugene Thomas Taylor, of League City, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024 in League City, Texas at the age of 94.

He was born on August 24, 1930 in Warren, Ohio to Wade T. and Isabella Taylor.

He attended grade and high school in Canton, Ohio and left to study at Mount Union College (now University of Mount Union) where he met the love of his life, Donna Jean Donaldson. While at Mount he joined the Sigma Nu fraternity but left in his Junior year for the United States Air Force and subsequent pilot training. Upon graduation he and Donna, who had become an elementary school teacher,  married in March 1953 and began their journey of a lifetime. Assignments in New York, Tennessee (Deborah was born), Japan (twins – Jean and John were born), Massachusetts, England, Alabama, Kansas, Virginia and Thailand led to a challenging life on the move. The bright spot was a 15 year stint in the Pentagon interrupted with a tour in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam conflict. During the 30 year career Gene flew a wide variety of aircraft ranging from trainers to four engine transports, accumulated about 8000 hours and  rose to the rank of Colonel. His decorations include: Legion of Merit, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Air Force Commendation Medal.

Upon retirement in 1981 he bought and operated a furniture/architectural materials/metal stripping, repair and refinishing business named The Virginia Stripper. His son, John, joined him until Gene and Donna relocated to Texas in 1998.

Over the years, mostly since leaving the Air Force, Gene was active in church and community outreach and association activities. He and Donna became avid RV enthusiasts and greatly enjoyed traveling the country and staying in close contact with family and friends during their adventures.

They moved into a retirement home, The Crossings and never looked back. Their days were filled with social events, good food and great friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife Donna.

He is survived by daughter Deborah Jackson and spouse Kevin of League City, daughter Jean Galleher and spouse James (Jim) of League City and son, John and spouse Christine of Virginia Beach, Virginia, sister Janice Williamson of Charlotte, North Carolina. Grandchildren include: Courtney (Keith) Germany; Christine (Travis) Begley; Michael (Jesse) Taylor; Trip (Casey) Galleher; and Danny Jackson. He had ten great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 23, 2024 in The Chapel at The Crossings. The service will be held at 1:00 pm. The address is 255 N. Egret Bay, League City, Texas 77573.

Interment will be in the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas at a later date.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be directed to Chayah Ministries International, Inc., P.O. Box 5638, Ventura, California, 93005. (An orphanage in Uganda established by Gene’s niece and nephew) See http://www.chayahchildrenshome.org.