Danny Boy Taylor

It broke our hearts

To lose you,

But you didn’t go alone.

Part of us went with you

The day God

Called you home.

Danny Boy (Named after a Horse not the song) Taylor Sr. of Chandler, AZ. Passed away on Sunday the 29

th

of May 2022 at Chandler Regional Hospital, after an extended illness. His wife and family were by his side. Dan was 75, born on September 24

th

1946, to Warren G Taylor and Clara E Rohr, in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Dan graduated from Rice Avenue High School, Class of 1965 in Girard, Pennsylvania. Dan completed Supervisors Training Course from Professional Training, Classes in Supervisory Management at ASU and Classes in Business Management, Human Relations in Business and Stress Management. Dan was also involved in the Royal Rangers Ministries in the 70’s.

Dan married Mary Thornton after Graduating from High School. He moved his family to Mesa, Arizona when Danny Jr. was about a year old.  Their son Owen was born in Tempe. In 1991, Dan married Ruthann Lutton and her 5 children, Corinna, Teresa, Duane, Brian and Gayle. We celebrated our 31

st

anniversary on May 18

th

while Dan was in hospital.

Dan worked at several jobs when he moved to Mesa, Az. He held a position of Manager at a Short Stop Market. Dan also worked at a Circle K in Mesa (Where he met his long time friend Zolin Moses). Dan worked as a laborer and then Lead Sales person in Citrus and Cactus sales for Tip Top Nursery in Mesa. He was a Masonry Trainee for John L. Stoll. and a Production Supervisor for Sundowner Industries. In 1986 Dan started his own business Your Dreams in Wood, a Custom Furniture Cabinet Shop. He truly enjoyed making one of kind furniture for his customers. The business has lasted 36 years until his illness had forced him to close. I know that if Dan had the chance he would be saying to all his customers and suppliers that turned into friends. “Thank you”

Dan also had a love of the outdoors, He met another outdoor enthusiast, when he arrived in Mesa, Bennion Huber (Deceased 2022) some of the tales he told of their doings were rather hair raising, trying to find Black River on the San Carlos Reservation (this was back in the early 70’s), quick draw Competitions and other stories. He loved having adventures with family and friends that took them onto the unbeaten path. The Superstition Mountains, the Coke Ovens of Florence, Date Creek area, the Rim Country, Pinto Creek, The White Mountains, Fishing at Black River, he truly loved fishing there, there is a tale for every location. He loved hunting, fishing and camping. He was like an encyclopedia telling us about the history of an area we were in. Along with the adventures, there were also misadventures. Dan was eager to educated newbies. He was telling me how you had to walk softly in the woods. I asked him to show me how to do that, luckily, I didn’t take his advise. Sprained ankles are no fun. Because the next step he took he slipped off a rock, twisting his ankle when he fell. Luckily we were able to laugh about them, later. He and Ben were Life Members of the Rio Salado Sportsman’s Club, Ben was #2 and Dan was #3.  Dan was also a life member of the NRA.  Dan had another Talent, he could write stories and poems. The family received many poems over the years, some very funny, some so very heart felt and treasured. Dan loved to read, even if he fell asleep after 5 minutes. He read and collected all of Louis Lamour, Ralph Compton, William Johnstone and C J Box’s books. At night I would get to hear the latest happenings of the different characters. Dan loved movies. He could tell you who starred in and directed them and what other movies they were in.

There is one thing above all else, that Dan was very proud of and that is, that his Sons, Danny Jr. and Owen, grew into exceptional and talented adults, who in turn, raised exceptional and talented adults. When he would meet up with his friend and fellow Cabinet Maker, Barry Boyd, the conversation would inevitably come around to his sons and Barry said you could just tell how much he respected and loved who they became.

Dan is predeceased by his Father (1994) and Mother (1996), his brothers Dane (1949), Jerry Bard (2016), his son Danny Boy Jr. (2021), Mother-in-law and friend Louise Boyd (2017), Grandchild baby Omar (2000, Gayles son)

He is survived by his wife Ruthann Lutton, Son Owen and his wife Tina of Vernon, AZ;  grandchildren Andrea of Phoenix, AZ, Justin of San Angelo, TX, Mathew and Kasey of Mesa, AZ. Great Grandchild Ronin  of San  Angelo TX, and Cousin Gary Meyers (Kathy) of Girard, PA.  Ruthann’s children: Corinna King (David) Casa Grande, Teresa Nesmith of Dittmer MO, Duane Kiener (Robin) of Mesa, Brian Taylor and Gayle Allen of Chandler. Grandchildren Michelle Roach (Logan) and Monica Nesmith of High Ridge, MO, Andrew of Phoenix, Aaron, Rebecca, Adam, Rachael, Ammon Kiener of Mesa and Madelyn Taylor of Chandler, AZ. Great Grandchildren Jolena, Olivia, and Lydia of High Ridge, MO.

We will be gathering to Celebrate and Honor a loving father, a cherished husband and friend.

Come join us as we share our favorite stories and memories of Dan

on July 16

th

2022. 1:00 to 3:00PM at the East University Church of God

6630 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85205

Refreshments will be served.