February 11, 1926 – November 30, 2015
Thad Taylor, a Moses Lake resident since 1955, passed away peacefully at his home November 30, 2015.
The family will host a Celebration of Life service at the Eagles Lodge in Moses Lake on Saturday, December 5th from 1-4 pm.
Thad was born February 11, 1926 on the Yakima Firing Center and spent his early years on the farm breaking horses for friends and family in the Yakima area. At age 17, he joined the U.S. Navy and served in WWII on the U.S.S. Alabama in the South Pacific. Thad received commendations during his time in the service of Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign-5 Star Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal-2 Star Medal.
After his work in the Navy, his experience on the farm took him to the Rodeo circuit where he rodee broncos and bulls. A break in his foot caused him to change careers and he spent the next 30 years in the Operating Engineers running heavy equipment. He worked primarily with the Army Corp of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation in creating most of the infrastructure in the Columbia Basin.
Thad was an active member of the community and several organizations including American Legion and VFW for over 65 years, Columbia Basin Rodeo Association, Moose, Eagles, and Elks Lodges. He served as the VFW Post 5926 Commander from 1992 – 1995 and received the Man of the Year award from the Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo in 2004.
Thad lived his life on his own terms, he enjoyed raising sheep, trading metal, tinkering in his shop, working in his garden and sharing some of the best produce around the Columbia Basin, dancing with friends and always sharing good times with his friends and family.
Thad is survived by his children, Scott Taylor, Enumclaw, WA, Lisa Taylor, Redding, CA, Dan and Marge Beck, Lewiston, ID, Kathy and Jon Wagner, Reno, NV, and Kelly Oscarson, Moses Lake, WA, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Also surviving is his brother, Talbert (and Shirley) Taylor of Yakima. He was preceded in death by his wife Jo Taylor, son, Ted Taylor, sister, LaVerne Sandal, and parents Vera and Les Taylor of Yakima.