Robert Taylor

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Robert E. Taylor, 64, entered the Kingdom of God Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, at Zalma, Mo.

He was born Sept. 4, 1945, in Sikeston, to the late Ira Lee and Edna Fern Schaffer Taylor.

Robert was a devoted member of the military, receiving two Purple Hearts during his service in the U.S. Army.

He graduated with a bachelor of science degree from Southeast Missouri State University in 1971. He earned a masters of arts in education in 1977. He was first employed by Sikeston Public School System from 1971 to 1973, and then at the University of Missouri 29 years and three months.

He received outstanding leadership awards from Stoddard County 4-H from 1974 to 1990, then later on received a Directors Award for outstanding service to the Missouri 4-H youth development program. He received an MAE4-HYW Honors Award as a subject matter specialist for outstanding service to the Missouri Youth and Families.

Robert devoted his adult years to working with the youth and young adults of Missouri in agricultural projects; receiving outstanding honors from the U.S. Agriculture Department for "making a positive difference in the lives of children, adults and family in his community."

For those of you who knew him, you would know that he is one of the most loving people in the world. His love of family, friends and nature has spread through all who encountered him. "Leave it better than you found it" -- Bob (Robert) Taylor.

Bob and Lana Kay Mulcahy were joined in matrimony Sept. 4, 1965.

They are members of Trinity Baptist Church of Sikeston. He was a 32nd Degree Master Mason.

Survivors include his wife; two sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Ira Scott and Amy Taylor of Cape Girardeau, Shawn David and Jennifer Chou Taylor of Ballwin, Mo.; three grandchildren, Thomas Jacob Taylor, Kathryn Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Olivia Taylor, all of Cape Girardeau; and a nephew, Stephen Lee Taylor of Malden, Mo.

Also his mother-in-law, Edna F. Crowell Mulcahy of Sikeston; a brother-in-law, David Mulcahy of Dexter, Mo.; two sisters-in-law, Marcia Mulcahy of Cape Girardeau, Donna Reeves of Lebanon, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, William Carlos Taylor; a sister, Joann Taylor Black; and a nephew, Billy Carlos Taylor.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. William Marshall, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, and the Rev. Allen Reeves of Lebanon, officiating. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston with full military honors.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. ponderfuneralhome.com.