Richard Edward Taylor

Was born on July 30, 1932 to the parents, Lillie Beatrice Jones and Eddie James Taylor in East St. Louis, Illinois. He grew up in the "Goose Hill" section of East St. Louis. Richard Edward Taylor was educated in the public school system of East St. Louis, Illinois; District 189. He was one of the first African American students to integrate East St. Louis Sr. High School in 1950. He was a dedicated student and the first African American to start on the varsity football team at East St. Louis Sr. High. Mr. Taylor graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School, where he lettered in four sports football, basketball, baseball and track. In 1952, he was the winner of the High Jump in the very first East St. Louis Relays; legendary Coach, Wirt Downing was the Head Track and Field Coach. Richard Edward Taylor enrolled at Illinois State University upon completing high school as a full scholarship football player. He was the first African American to be a starter at Illinois State as a Running Back and Defensive Back. After the Korean War, he transferred, enrolled and earned his BS degree in education at Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri in 1959. He was commended for combining both excellences in scholastic and athletic achievements. During his undergraduate years, he was considered by many to be one of the United States best high jumpers. He set many records at different track meets and attempted the 7-foot threshold five times in his jumping career. The most famous performance of his collegiate history occurred at the Kansas Relays in 1958 when he won the prestigious Carl V. Rice High Jump Award in a field of 200 participants; many from outside the United States. Richard Edward Taylor graduated in 1959 from Lincoln University; Jefferson City, Missouri with a degree in Physical Education. Richard Edward Taylor started his career in 1959 with School District 189, East St Louis, Illinois. He initially taught and coached at Hughes-Quinn Junior High then East St Louis Sr. High School, where he coached football, baseball, basketball and track producing many exceptional student athletes. After being appointed as the Director of Physical Education; he hired and trained a collection of some of the best future coaches in the United States. He was instrumental in the development and implementation of the 3V Program (Vim, Vigor and Vitality). 3V not only helped to produce some of the world’s greatest athletes, but on its scale rivaled the famed Russian Athletic Feeder Programs. In many instances student athletes in District 189 could be identified as well as their strengths and areas for development by the time they were in Junior High School. He instructed and lectured at local, state and national levels on athletic feeder programs and quality physical education programs for boys and girls. He is considered the "Father of Modern Athletics" in East St. Louis, Illinois Richard Edward Taylor's profession and personal mission was dedicated to the developing the total athlete; "Education, Character and the Sport". He earned his Master’s Degree plus 30 hours in Education Administration from Southern Illinois University; Edwardsville, Illinois in 1969. Richard Edward Taylor was one of the most iconic baseball players and power hitters to ever play baseball in East St. Louis. He started playing Semi-Pro Baseball in the Saint Louis area at an early age. He was known as an incredible third baseman for the Bops, East St. Louis Giants, Colts and the Brooklyn Robins. The St. Louis Cardinals actively recruited and showed serious interest in him from high school till after his graduation from college when he decided to pursue his chosen profession of education. He played Semi-Pro Baseball until he was forty years old. He was inducted as a member of the Metro East Sports Hall of Fame. Later in life Richard Edward Taylor became a prolific golfer. He won many tournaments and made several hole in ones. He also was an outstanding bowler, he bowled locally in the Saint Louis area and traveled nationally to compete in tournaments. He once bowled two perfect 300 games. Prior to Richard Edward Taylor retiring; he and the love of his life, Rosetta Fuller Taylor, started to enjoy the pastime of world travel. Richard and Rosetta started with Hawaii on their 30th Anniversary and proceeded to travel to eight capitals of Europe, South America, much of the Caribbean and Canada. As the world was locked down during the pandemic; they both longed to travel more. Richard Edward Taylor’s parents, Lillie Beatrice Jones Rosson and Eddie James Taylor preceded Mr. Taylor in death. siblings preceding him in death are John Wesley Jones, Martin Rosson III and Oliver T. Taylor. His Wife Rosetta Fuller Taylor survives him as well as son, Tyron K. Taylor and daughter Vanessa Taylor. Surviving siblings are Virginia Barfield, Patricia Aubrey, Lillie Mae Townsend (Tommie), Marilyn Phillips, Joann Taylor and Theresa Williams; as well a number of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, god children as well many friends, church members, former coaches, students and athletes he mentored in life. Richard Edward Taylor was an “overcomer” that felt empowered and used his gifts to educate and uplift his fellow man. His focus and energy was devoted to his family, the community and church. These were the most important drivers in his life. He was a member of the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as Sunday School Teacher, Trustee and Building Fund Chairman. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SERVICES ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VISITATION Sunday April 30, 2023 2:00 P.M – 4:00 P.M. Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church 1200 St Louis Ave East St Louis, IL 62201 (618) 874-2002 REVEREND HERMAN L. WATSON, Pastor Officiating ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Homegoing Celebration For Richard Edward Taylor July 30, 1932 April 19, 2023 Monday, May 1, 2023 Viewing 9:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M. Service 10:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church 1200 St Louis Ave East St Louis, IL 62201 (618) 874-2002 REVEREND HERMAN L. WATSON, Pastor Officiating ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Order of Service PRELUDE PROCESSIONAL "I SHALL WEAR A CROWN” OPENING PRAYER DEACON MARTIN GULLEY SCRIPTURE READING OLD TESTAMENT 23RD PSALM NEW TESTAMENT 2 TIMOTHY 4:7-8 SELECTION SAM HUDDLESTON ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CONDOLENCES REMARKS (TEN MINUTES) VANESSA TAYLOR ANITA JACKSON OBITUARY (READ SILENTLY WITH SOFT MUSIC) SELECTION MRS. KIM FULLER BARNES MINISTERIAL REMARKS (FIFTEEN MINUTES) PASTOR WALTER T. PRICE REVEREND DARRELL CHAPMAN REVEREND JACK THOMAS PHD SPECIAL TRIBUTE (FIFTEEN MINUTES) ON BEHALF OF SCHOOL DISTRICT 189 FORMER COACHES PHYSICAL EDUCATIONS SUPERVISORS SELECTION MR. JERRY HOLLOWAY EULOGY PASTOR HERMAN L. WATSON RECESSIONAL Internment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery 1 P.M. - 1:15 P.M. 2900 Sheridan Road St. Louis, MO 63125 *Note: Repass will follow at the church.

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Richard Edward Taylor

July 30, 1932 - April 13, 2023