Gores Gene Taylor

Graveside services for Gores “Gene” Taylor, 90, will be held on Monday, February 26, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 7970 Mike Clark Rd., Keithville, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Rev. John Korlaske of Ellerbe Road Methodist Church.
 
Gene was born on June 7, 1933 in Frederick, Oklahoma to Joseph and Willa May Taylor and passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024 in Bossier City, Louisiana.
 
Gene served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years. During his service, he was stationed in England, Oklahoma, Alaska, New York, California, and Louisiana, along with many TDY assignments. After his military career, Gene worked for the U.S. Post Office for 20 years. After his second retirement, he worked for Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Shreveport, LA.
 
He and Joy enjoyed traveling, having toured Europe three times. They participated in mission activities in the Dominican Republic and Alaska where Gene helped build two mission churches. He was an electrician, carpenter, and mechanic; he could fix anything that moved, from jet engines to cars. And he loved his Boston Terriers. Throughout the years, many fur babies were cared for and loved by Gene. His faith in Christ sustained him through life. 
 
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Michael Gene Taylor; three sisters, Catherine Echols, Roma Flowers, Christine Illkenhaus; and one brother, Lloyd Taylor.
 
Gene is survived by his wife of 71 years, Bennye Joy; daughters, Patricia Hines and husband, Bentley of Shreveport, LA, and Pamela Melancon of Shreveport, LA; his brother, Robert and wife, Clara of Tuttle, OK; grandchildren, Glen Melancon of Shreveport, LA, Aaron Melancon of Shreveport, LA, Jonathan Hines and wife, Erika of Katy, TX, Elizabeth Hines Van der Werff and husband, Paul of Doha Qatar, Chad Taylor of Florida, Shawn Taylor and wife, Malinda of Lugoff, SC, and Sarah Taylor Crysel and husband, Chris of Walworth, NY. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Letha Petrocelli; and a host of nieces and nephews.
 
The family wishes to acknowledge the expert care and love shown to Gene by the entire staff at the Louisiana War Veterans Home in Bossier City, including Sheree Robinette, Rhonda Johnson, and Laura Gregorio, to name a few. Bristol Hospice staff, Amy and Jessica, showed extraordinary care in Gene’s final days, and Pastor John Kolaske for his friendship and encouragement through the years. We are grateful beyond words.
 
The family suggests memorials may be made to Ellerbe Road Methodist Church, 10130 Ellerbe Church Road, Shreveport, LA 71106.