Lieutenant Colonel Morris Joe Taylor
United States Army, Retired

Morris Joe Taylor, age 86, left his earthly body and entered into the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ on May 24, 2026, after living with Parkinson's Disease for eight years.

Born January 5, 1940, in Midland, Texas to Frank and Nila Taylor, Joe grew up in a Christian home and came to faith in Christ at the age of eleven. After graduating from Midland High School, he graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 1963, at which point he received his commission as a 2nd Lt. in the United States Army.  He proudly served the country he loved so dearly for 27 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His time in the service took him to Vietnam, Germany, Turkey and the last twelve years to Washington, D.C. at the Pentagon in the Defense Intelligence Agency. Joe was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal along with numerous other awards. Although Joe never talked about his distinguished military career, he leaves behind a family who will always be so thankful for his years of dedicated service to his beloved country.

Joe married his long-time friend, Patricia Wilson in 1959, and they had three children: Andy, Kathryn and Richard. After 32 years of marriage, Patricia went home to be with the Lord in January of 1991.  The Lord then, in His grace, brought Joe and Mary Diane together and they recently celebrated 33 years of marriage. Their years together were marked by faithful devotion to their Savior through numerous mission trips to China and India, teaching Sunday School classes and ministering to numerous people in their home. Perhaps their marriage was marked most by their steadfast devotion to prayer. Their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren knew that each day they were deeply loved and faithfully prayed for.  As an ambassador of Christ, Joe never missed an opportunity to share the Gospel and to encourage others.

Although the last years with Parkinson's were difficult, Joe was determined to "finish the race" well and he continued to read his Bible, memorize Scripture and attend church, even just one week before his death.

Joe leaves behind his wife, Mary and all of their dear children, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Andy (Henrika) Taylor, Kathryn Mercer, Richard (Mandy) Taylor, Shelley (Jeff) Burley, Cathryn (David) Brock and Matt Sims; twelve grandchildren: Lily Taylor, Karyn (AJ) Byers, Dalton Marchuk, Parker Taylor, Mallory Taylor, Reid (Karly) Burley, Blake (Monica-fiancé) Burley, Marcial (Madeline) Brock, Mary Claire (Jake) Morrow, McLain Brock, Cloe (Tyler) Wood, Abby (Noah) Phanithasack; great grandchildren: Tyson and Cheyenne Byers, Kate and Jack Burley, Beatrice Brock, George Morrow and little brother coming soon and Bentley Wood. Joe also leaves behind his brothers Jackie Ray Taylor and Michael Wayne Taylor (Linda) as well as extended family and devoted friends who loved and supported him.  His family would like to extend a special thank you to his therapists at TMC Outpatient Therapy, Cassie Montgomery and Tony Sterba. Their kind and loving care for him through the years was truly a gift from God.

Although we will miss him terribly, we are praising God that he is now free from disease and that we will see him again. Joe will be buried with full military honors at the National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas. A memorial service will be held on June 27th, 2026, at 11am at their beloved church, Grace Bible Church in Sherman, Texas.