Fred E. Taylor

Fred Ernest Taylor, 94, died Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Good Samaritan Society, Ellis, KS. 

He was born July 28, 1929, in Jamestown, the son of Ernest and Grace (Beasley) Taylor. Unbeknownst to him, Fred met his future wife at a young age when he visited her childhood farm as a harvest hand. Mary Ann Burkhart knew immediately that she would wed him and professed that knowledge to her mother that day. Fred and Mary Ann were united in marriage in Dodge City on November 29, 1952. They spent 71 wonderful and blessed years together.

Fred started his career in the grocery business at the age of 14. The Korean War interrupted that career when he enlisted in the Army at the age of 18 and served four years. He spent three years in Tokyo, Japan, in General MacArthur’s headquarters. He was very proud of his service for our country. Upon his honorable discharge, he spent another 49 years as a grocer. He and Mary Ann purchased the grocery store (Fred’s Market) in McCracken in 1963 and retired in 2000. They raised their family in McCracken and enjoyed everything about small-town living. Fred was a true community leader. He served on the City Commission for many years and was instrumental in getting the McCracken swimming pool built. Fred was a member of the American Legion for 65 years and a lifetime member of the VFW. 

Fred was a proud family man and loved nothing more than his family. He loved giving his grandkids rides around his yard (an entire city block) in the golf cart. He could be found at his children and his grandchildren’s sporting events. He enjoyed playing cards with friends and family and was never too shy to overbid his hand. When playing pitch and Fred was ready to ‘call for his partner,’ everyone was worried it might be them. He also enjoyed participating in the McCracken men’s ‘stag’ nights with friends.

Fred is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, son Rod (Bernie) of Ellis, Randy (Denise) of Cottonwood, AZ, Fred (Kim) of Victoria, and Sandra of Hays. Other survivors include twelve grandchildren: Adam Taylor (Lindsay), Anthony Taylor (Breanna), Ashley Palmer (Justin), Whitney Taylor, Kasi Irwin (Shane), Jordan Taylor (Cierra), Anna Taylor, Andrew Taylor (Emalee), Lucas Taylor (Hanna), Taylor Beisner and Grace Beisner, sixteen great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Ruby Taylor, brother, Earl Taylor, sister, Mae Kersenbrock, grandson, Kristopher Taylor and son-in-law, Kelly Beisner.

Memorials are suggested to the Ellis Good Samaritan Society or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, January 27, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis with Fr. Dana Clark officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Ellis.

Visitation will be Friday 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM until service time all at the church.

A combined parish vigil and rosary service will be 7:00 PM Friday at the church.

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Fred's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com