George B. Taylor, 91, formerly of Princeton passed away peacefully on November 2, 2013 after a short stay in the Deaconess Hospice in Evansville.

He was born in Gibson County on June 29, 1922 to Chester F. and Edna Brown Taylor.

His parents and a brother, Rev. Earle Lloyd Taylor predeceased him.

His sisters, Hazel McKenzie of Michigan and Wilma Eads of Florida survive.

On Flag Day, 1945 George married the former Marie Garver, who survives. They have two children, Gary G. (Janet Lasley) Taylor of Indianapolis and Barbara Jo Dietrick of Newburgh. He is additionally survived by former son-in-law Chuck Dietrick.

The joy of George and Marie’s lives are their grandchildren and great grandchildren. The grandchildren are Heather Taylor (Chuck) Klutts, Rachel Taylor (Nate) Kippert, Stacie Jackson Moss, Reyna Jackson (Adam) Gammon, and Kathryn Dietrick. The great grandchildren are Baden Moss, Owen Klutts, Madeline Klutts, Ellie Klutts, Taylor Gammon, Bryntlee Moss, and Nova Kippert.

He was a lifelong member of Bethel Memorial Church in Princeton. He started attending there shortly after the church was chartered in 1930. During the 1950's through the 1980's George and Marie were very active with the church, both worked with the youth in Awana and as Sunday School teachers. George at various times was Sunday School Superintendent, a deacon, a trustee, and served in other functions, as well.

He was in the Marine Corps during World War II, serving primarily in the Pacific Theatre. Discharge papers indicate he ... “Participated in action against the Enemy at Tulagi Island 28 Feb 43-18 May 43; Russell Islands 20Aug43-31Dec43; and the Marshall Islands 24 Feb 44-15 Sept 44.

He was elected in 1962 and 1964 to the Indiana House of Representatives. He retired after 38 years from Emge Packing Company of Fort Branch. After retirement George was elected and served three four year terms as mayor of Princeton, Indiana from 1988 to 2000.

The city made progress during this time. He was grateful for the guidance of a superb city council and to former Mayor and Clerk, Shirley Robb. Accomplishments include the South Main overpass, the West water tower, tripling the sewage capacity to accommodate Toyota, new city hall, new fire station, improvements to the water system, virtually all the streets were re-paved, and the ditches enclosed and drainage improved on the Southside.

He was mayor when Toyota came to town. That was a major effort by the County Commissioners, County Council, City Council, City Administration, the Chamber of Commerce, and others. National media could identify with one mayor easier than a myriad of people instrumental in the success. As a result he received far more national publicity than expected.

The October 7, 1996 issue of Time Magazine had a major article entitled “Toyota Road USA.” It discussed the several Toyota facilities across the country near Interstate 64. George was pictured in the article with Toyota officials. The first paragraph began “George Taylor fought the Empire of Japan as a U. S. Marine in World War II, and he still has bitter memories. But now as mayor of Princeton, Indiana (pop. 8,100) he gladly put them aside last spring when Toyota unveiled plans to build a $700 million pickup-truck plant in his economically sagging town. ‘I’ve changed my mind a little bit, Taylor, 74, says.’ The way I look at it, the Japanese are coming over here and giving American workers good jobs, while American companies are closing factories and taking work overseas for low wages.’ ’’

The family expresses appreciation for the kindnesses and assistance from the entire staff of the Rathbone Retirement Community, where Marie continues to reside. Special gratitude is conveyed to Pastor Kevin Wilson of Bethel Memorial and Pastor Mark Martin of Evansville for pastoral support and guidance in the past several years.

A Memorial Celebration will be scheduled at a later date.

Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton is handling the arrangements.