Richard Edward Taylor's Obituary
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.
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?
