Bernard Aloys "Barney" Taylor

In Loving Memory of

Bernard Aloys “Barney” Taylor

March 1, 1930 to May 17, 2025

Bernard Aloys Taylor, known affectionately as “Barney”, passed away at the age of 95 in his home in Phoenix, Arizona on May 17, 2025. Barney was a kind and steady soul with a love for family and the game of golf. Barney leaves behind a legacy of humility, encouragement, and quiet joy.

Barney was born on March 1, 1930, in Cumberland Wisconsin, to the late Phillip and Henrietta Taylor. He was the second youngest of nine children. He spent most of his life in LeMars, Iowa where he raised his family before retiring to Phoenix in 1992. From his earliest days, he carried with him a sense of purpose, humility, and a natural kindness that drew people in. But if you ask anyone what they’ll remember most – it’s that big beautiful smile. It was the first thing you saw when he walked into a room and the last thing that lingered when he walked out. It was a smile that made you feel like you mattered.

As a proud member of the National Guard, he served and dedicated himself to his country with strength and pride.

One of Dad’s greatest joys was golf. A single-digit handicap golfer, he didn’t just play, he played well! The golf course was his happy place where the challenges of the game mirrored the challenges of life and approached with patience, strategy, and, yes, that ever present smile. He took great joy in helping his children and grandchildren improve their own golf game. His love of the sport became a family tradition and enjoyed sharing thoughtful tips and encouragement.

And then there was Radar, his loyal companion and beloved dog. The bond they shared was special. Wherever Barney was, Radar wasn’t far behind, faithfully by his side always.

He is survived by his wife, JoEllen Taylor of Phoenix, AZ and his children: Jolynn Sitzmann of Lemars, IA, wife of the late Leon Sitzmann; Joleen Miller and her husband Keith Miller of Sioux Falls, SD; Lori Chroneos and her husband Robert Chroneos of Chandler, AZ; and David Taylor and his wife Nancy Taylor of Topsail Island, NC. He was preceded in death by his daughter Tami Taylor, of Phoenix, AZ.

Barney was a proud grandfather to eleven grandchildren: Casey Adams, Ryan Bryant, Kayla Nau, Alex Sitzmann, Justin Miller, Brent Miller, Chad Miller, Nicole Taylor, Jonathan Taylor, Kelsi Lane, and Jessica Herbert. He was also a great-grandfather to nineteen great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his legacy of strength and kindness.

Today, we also remember and find comfort in knowing that Dad is reunited with his beloved daughter Tami. The bond they shared was unbreakable, and now, in peace, they are together again.

We don’t just mourn Barney’s passing, but he will be remembered for his gentle nature, his devotion to his family, the quiet but lasting impact he made on the lives around him, and his BIG wonderful smile! He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3550 E. Knox Road, Phoenix, AZ 85044 on May 31, 2025 at 10:30 am.