Paul E. Taylor, Sr.

Chief Paul (Porky) Taylor, age 91, of Newark, DE passed away on Monday, October 30, 2017.

Paul was born November 6, 1925 to Charles and Mabel Taylor. He was predeceased by his brother, Garton Taylor and his first wife, Ellen Newell Taylor.

A resident of Wilmington in his early years, Paul attended Wilmington High School.  He was a member of the Semi Pro Football team, Happy Valley.  Paul joined the Navy in 1942 at age 17, which he did without the consent of his parents.  He served aboard USS Tennessee during WWII.  He fought in many battles in the Pacific, one of them being the Battle of Leyte Gulf, October 23-25, 1944. This was the largest naval battle of WWII and ended in the eclipse of the Japanese Navy. He watched the raising of the American Flag on Iwo Jima, February 23, 1945 from the ship and was present for the surrender of Japan, September 2, 1945

He left the Navy in 1946 to re-enter in 1950 during the Korean War. Paul was stationed in many countries; North Africa, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Midway Island to name a few.  He retired from the Navy in March 1967 at his last duty station, Midway Island.  He retired as US Navy Chief Paul E Taylor after 24 years of service.  Paul served with honor and was extremely proud of his service.

After retiring from the US Navy, he was employed with Edlon Corporation for 32 years, traveling around the world.  At age 70, he left Edlon Corporation and was employed by Fluorodynamics until age 75, when he decided to fully retire and sit back and enjoy life. Because happiness holds no age barriers, in 2009 Paul met a friend for life - his best friend, Janet Ragan. They have enjoyed a life of happiness one can only imagine.

Paul was known to be a great conversationalist. Wherever he went, when he went back, no introduction was needed. It might have been because of his personality, no doubt.  He thought the star spangled hat was the key but his family knew it was Paul who drew you in.

He was a life member of the VFW Post 475 in Newark and also a member of Elks Newark Post 2281.

A special thanks to Dr Curt Blacklock, not only for Paul's medical care but also for his friendship. Thank you to the VA Hospital and to Christie of Griswold Home Care and Rose, Paul's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

Paul is survived by his best friend and wife of 6 years, Janet R Taylor, sons, Paul (Gladys) and Charles (Claudia); 5 grandchildren, Becky Moore (WVA), Janis Edwards (FL), Tim Taylor (NC), Ben Taylor (PA) and Rachel Taylor Miller (CO); 9 great grandchildren; a brother in law, a sister in law, a host of nieces and nephews who adored him and his cat, Suzy

Family and friends are invited to the visitation on Saturday, November 4 at from 10 am-12 noon at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Rd., Pike Creek where a memorial service will follow at 12 noon. Burial will be private at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lt. J. Allison O'Daniel VFW Post 475, 100 Veterans Drive, Newark DE 19711 or Faithful Friends Animal Society of Delaware, 12 Germay Drive, Wilmington, DE 19804.Chief Paul (Porky) Taylor, age 91, of Newark, DE passed away on Monday, October 30, 2017.

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