(Nate with his Great-Grandpa Tayloe, Spring 2010)
After Jeremy and I went to St. Louis to visit my Grandpa in the hospital and to 'take the fair' to him, we left under the impression that he was going to be okay. However, I had a funny feeling when I was walking out of his room that it would be the last time I would see him. I shrugged that thought off thinking that it was impossible...my Grandpa just couldn't die. We were relieved when we kept getting the reports that he was doing better and it looked as if discharge was going to be soon. However, during the morning of Friday, August 6th, my Grandpa suffered another heart attack in the hospital and they were unable to revive him. The news was unexpected and quite emotional. We made arrangements in our schedules and got on the road to Owensville with Nate and Maverick in tow. My mom was generous enough to pick up Nate on Sunday to watch him since we knew it would be hard to tend to Nate during the viewing and the funeral. The funeral was on Monday and even though it was difficult, it was a very nice service, including a full military salute. Over 700 friends and family stopped by to pay their respects to my Grandpa. He was quite the man in Owensville...he helped out everyone and was a member of every club. He would always give us grandkids a quarter when we saw him and so us grandkids (and some of the great-grandkids) went to the gravesite before everyone else and threw quarters in his grave. It was a special moment for all of us and the weekend was sentimental to say the least. Despite the circumstances, it was nice to see extended family and share stories of Grandpa Tayloe and memories of the past. I wrote a poem (which is presented below) and read it at my Grandpa's funeral.
Willard O. Tayloe
1922-2010
There was only one Willard Tayloe,
there's no doubt about that,
with a toothpick hanging from his mouth,
decked out in his cowboy boots, belt, and hat.
There are so many memories,
that I will hold close to my heart,
like playing hide and seek between appliances,
and the summer fairs at Owensville Park.
Taking the boat out on the lake,
swinging on the front porch at night,
he even taught me my first cuss word,
much to my parents dislike.
He'd fall asleep after every meal
in his favorite rocking chair,
and I'll never forget the trip to Disney,
my Grandpa liked to travel and drive everywhere.
I viewed him as invincible,
such a strong man was he,
he had so many close calls,
including the shot he took in Normandy.
He was stern and hard-working,
and a reliable friend to all,
whether he was delivering a Maytag dryer,
or decorating with the Lions Club at the VFW hall.
Us grandkids always joked
that we should have saved up,
with a quarter from every visit,
we could've taken a trip to the World Cup.
I thought he was too stubborn to die,
but God must have shown him one of heaven's scenes,
a fair that lasts forever,
complete with fish sandwiches, beer, and ice cream.
So Grandpa, enjoy the streets of gold,
and catching up with loved ones you held so dear,
even though we will be apart for awhile,
in our hearts, you will always be near.
by Stephanie Dulin
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