TOPEKA — Warren Edward Taylor, 82, died Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in his home in Topeka surrounded by family.
Warren was born on Friday, July 10, 1942, in Parsons. He was the fourth son of Velva Clara (Reynolds) and Shelby Horton Taylor. He remembered and treasured the story of his birth, as told by his mother. When she went into labor, Doctor Baird, who was in his office, was contacted to report to the hospital. Being without his automobile, she reported, he ran out into the street and jumped onto the running board of the nearest car passing by, ordering the driver to take him to Mercy Hospital at once. Whether true or not, it was a delightful story and Warren loved to hear it.
Warren attended Washington Elementary and West Junior High School in Parsons. His father, who worked for the Katy Railroad, lost his job there in 1957. Subsequently, he was able to find employment in Topeka at the then new State Office Building at 10th and Topeka Boulevard. This job change necessitated a move from small-town life to the “big city.”
In Topeka, Warren attended Topeka High School for his junior and senior years. He graduated with the Class of 1960. It was at this school where he met his best friend, David Woods, with whom he would keep contact for the rest of his life.
Warren entered Washburn University in the fall term of 1960. He attended there for two years, later taking some night classes. He did not achieve a degree but found the experience rewarding while giving him a deeper understanding of what life would hold for him.
In 1962, Warren went to work for the Crosby Brothers Department Store in Topeka. He then transferred to the Chicago store. After a year there, and meeting many new and interesting people, Warren decided that life in Topeka was more to his taste and resigned to return home.
Upon returning to Topeka, he was again employed by Crosby Brother’s as the buyer for the men’s department. He stayed there for a year and a half until deciding that retailing was just not for him.
In the fall of 1971, Warren was fortunate to find a job at the Topeka Public Library in the acquisitions department. He worked in that area until 1976, when he was made the manager of the new Topeka Room and special collections departments. Warren always credited James C. Marvin, head librarian, for being his mentor and promoting him to the new position despite his lack of degrees. He also recognized Tom Muth, assistant librarian, for being one of his firmest backers for promotion. Some of his greatest joys while at the library were the opportunity to present outside programs on Topeka history and establishing a very well-attended film series. Warren retired from the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library in 2003 after 32 years of service.
Warren’s interest in the Topeka theater community was a vital part of his life. He acted in and directed several productions for the Topeka Civic Theatre, once winning the Renna Hunter Award for best supporting actor in the play, “Morning’s at Seven.” It was at TCT that he made many lifelong friends. He was also involved in the Helen Hocker Theater in Gage Park.
Warren served on several boards of directors in the community, including Topeka Civic Theatre, Shawnee County Historical Society, Helen Hocker Theater, West Side Christian Church Board of Trustees, Historic Topeka, Ward Meade Park advisory board, Mount Hope Cemetery Association, Lakeside Apartments Inc., Homeowners Association and Friends of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. Warren was a long-time member of West Side Christian Church (DOC).
After retirement, his feelings for and love of the library did not fade. He took an active interest in the Friends of the Library and worked diligently on the annual book sale held by that organization. He was chair of the sale for several years. The library was always his home away from home. In later years, Warren was able to provide funds to underwrite a study room in the library, dedicated to the memory of his mother, Velva C. Taylor.
Two of his personal passions were collecting Rookwood pottery and railroad memorabilia. He and his two dear friends, Jeanne and Carol, would often strike out on an adventure road trip looking for items to add to his collections. Those were special times indeed.
Warren and his mother, Velva, made their home together for over 50 years. He was pleased that he was available for his mother in her later years and could become her caretaker. She was very dear to him.
He is survived by his brother, Michael K. (Deborah) Taylor; and sisters-in-law, Nancy Taylor and Erika Taylor; 12 nieces and nephews, Shelley Dubois, Brett (Dixie) Taylor, Brian (Julie) Taylor, Dan (Lori) Taylor, David (Dr. Audrey) Taylor, Robin (Keith) Guffey, Dean Taylor, Chad (Kathy) Taylor, Jason (Stacy) Taylor, Dustin (Stephanie) Taylor, Scott Taylor, Katherine (Rebel) Creighton; many great-nieces and great-nephews and some great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; and his very dear friends, Jeanne Mithen and Tom Muth.
Warren was predeceased by his parents; and brothers, Shelby E. Taylor, Davie L. Taylor and Charles R. Taylor.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at the West Side Christian Church, 432 S.W. Lindenwood Ave., Topeka, KS, 66606, with inurnment at Mount Hope Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials to the Library Foundation of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, the West Side Christian Church or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Warren’s final thoughts are these: To yourself be ever true. Do not be afraid to express what is most dear to you and that which lives in your heart. We are here for only one time, and death is an eternity. To those who have loved me, I return that love one thousand-fold.
