Lakewood – Lifetime valley resident Carl John Taylor, 94, passed away on July 1, 2013 at the St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, Colorado.
On May 16, 1919, Carl Taylor began his journey through this life in Blanca, Colorado as one of eleven children. He grew up in the Blanca area where he started farming. After a hail storm that wiped out his crop at Blanca in the fall of 1941, he and his brother-in-law headed to Bonita, New Mexico to work putting in a pipe line. That is when he first laid eyes on his bride to be. After seeing Mona Jean Sweet get on the school bus, he told his brother -in-law he was "going to marry that girl". They dated until he left to serve his country in WWII. He served in the 229 Ordinance, Army. Carl served for three years, starting in Africa then moved on into Italy, continuing his journey through France and Germany. He was honorably discharged on September 28, 1945. Immediately after, he headed to Miami, Arizona where his love, Mona, was waiting for him. They married October 11, 1945 in Miami then headed back to Blanca (the mountains he said) to start a life together. In the next eight years they brought 5 wonderful children into their family. During that time they moved to the Center area. Carl was a devoted father and husband who worked as a farmer/rancher to provide for his family. He loved his farm but loved his cows more. He made sure that all the kids helped with the cows in some way. Every one of his children and grandchildren has special stories about helping with the cows. His real first love was his family. His 5 children blessed him with 20 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. He loved when his family would get together. Spite and Malice was the game they always played. He loved going to the mountains to camp, fish and hunt or simply to explore. Carl and Mona also helped to start the Mon-Cen-Del Square Dance Club and danced with them for years. He was also active with the local VFW Post.
Carl, dad, granddad, and great granddad and brother ended his journey on this earth July 1, 2013 when he started his next journey with our Lord and Savior. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mona Taylor; two sisters Betty Hufman of Idaho and Ethel Kester of New Mexico; daughter Bernadette Myers (Herb) of Del Norte; son Herb Taylor (Marilyn) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Calvin Taylor (Sherry) of Alamosa; daughter Deborah Palmgren (Gerald) of Monte Vista; and daughter Carla Taylor Smith of Center. He leaves behind a blessed legacy of 20 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 5 siblings.
Cremation was selected and a memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday July 5, 2013 at the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake. A private family inurnment will take place at a later time at the Blanca Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake in care of the funeral home office.

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