Thomas Taylor

Thomas A. Taylor, 67, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at his home, surrounded by family.

He was born March 23, 1951, in Cape Girardeau to Robert Lee and Pauline Elizabeth Gibson Taylor. He and Diane Dillingham were married July 14, 1971, at Cape Girardeau.

Tom was a Cape Girardeau Central High School graduate and attended college until he was old enough to join the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

He was a state trooper for 30 years, serving on road duty and the Governor Security Unit, retiring as a lieutenant in the Drug and Crime Division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He then worked as special projects manager for Gavin De Becker and Associates.

He was a member of Maple United Methodist Church. He served as president of National Governors Security Association.

Tom was devoted to his wife and to his work and was a lover of animals.

Survivors include his wife, Diane Taylor of Cape Girardeau; two sisters, Jeanne (Jim) Kelpe of Cape Girardeau and Karen Grayson of Jackson; and a number of nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert "Bobby" Lee Taylor Jr.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Brother Ken Johnson officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to Tri-County Hospice Services, Wounded Warriors or The Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.