Paul Henry Taylor

Paul Henry Taylor passed away peacefully at his home in Ripon surrounded by his family on April 30, 2021 at the age of 88.  Paul was born on October 11, 1932, in Mount Vernon, Illinois, the youngest of six to parents, Paul V. and Eustasia Taylor.

Paul leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Helen Taylor, his children, Debbie Yonan, Sandy Taylor and Greg Paul Taylor, his grandchildren, Aaron Cadruvi (and his wife Nicole), Tim Cadruvi, Bethany Boedecker, Malachi Yonan (Deceased), Micah Yonan, Britny Miller, and Danae Miller.  Paul also leaves behind his great-grandchildren, Adam Cadruvi, Kaitlyn Cadruvi, Jazz Bledsoe, Dominic Pina, and Ezra Buri-Yonan, and his sister, Suzie Holley.

Paul spent his early childhood years in Yuma, Arizona.  During mid 1940’s his family moved to Ripon, California where Paul attended Ripon schools, graduating from Ripon High in 1952.  It was not long after high school that Paul met the love of his life, Helen Watson.  Paul and Helen married in 1954, started a family soon afterward and lived in the Modesto area, raising their three children.  Paul began working as a firefighter for the California Division of Forestry (2-years) and then the Modesto Fire Department (31-years).  Paul thoroughly enjoyed his career as a firefighter, retiring as a long-time engineer and training officer there in 1986 at the age of 54.  Additionally, he worked in construction, welding and fabrication, moving companies, and tile and stone.  An avid life-long learner, Paul loved to teach others what he learned.

He spent his retirement building a most unusual home in Ripon that he was always tinkering with, traveling the West in his travel trailer with Helen, and escorting her to and from art lessons, art showings, and musical performances throughout the West, too.  Paul enjoyed his family, his friends, building things, and playing cards, among other things.  He adored his wife and enjoyed his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

Deegan Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Taylor family.  A memorial service will be held in August, at a date later to be announced. To sign his online guestbook, please visit; www.deeganfuneralchapels.com.