Lieutenant Colonel Aubrey D. Taylor, USAF, passed away on June 11, 2009.

Aubrey D. Taylor was born at Bement, Illinois, on 5 July 1915. Upon graduation from Decatur High School, Colonel Taylor completed three years at James Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois, before entering the Air Corps in December 1940. At the university he was a triple-letterman in basketball, football, and baseball, and was chosen captain of the university baseball team during his junior year.

Upon completion of flying school in August 1941, he received his pilot's wings and a commission as Second Lieutenant. During World War II he served with the 10th Troop Carrier Squadron in the invasion of Africa and Sicily. Returning home in 1943, Colonel Taylor was assigned as Squadron Executive Officer and later Chief Pilot of the 555th Base Unit, Love Field, Texas.
Colonel Taylor continued to have a remarkable career with the Air Force, was one of the youngest officers achieving the rank of Lt. Col. and gave 30 years of service to our country. He was awarded several commendations including the Air Medal with Oakleaf Cluster. After retirement in 1966, Aubrey Taylor was able to spend over 40 years with friends, family, and enjoyed his favorite activities including golf and fishing.
Aubrey is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Irene G. Taylor; son, Dr. Jeffrey Taylor; and daughter-in-law, Lynn R. Taylor. He is survived by his loving family, sons, Michael (Elizabeth) Taylor and Philip Taylor; grandchildren, Laura (Scott) Whitley, Greg Taylor and Melonie Taylor; great-grandchildren, Gabrielle Taylor Whitley and Alexis Taylor Whitley; and brother, Paul Taylor.
He will be inurned at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL with full military honors, together with his wife, Irene. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, P. O. Box 650309 Dallas, TX 75265-0309 or ww5.komen.org