Aug. 24, 1924 - March 31, 2010SOUTH BEND - Mr. Thomas Alvin Taylor, 85, who resided on South Chestnut Street, South Bend, Indiana, passed away on March 31, 2010, at Fountainview Nursing Home, Mishawaka, Indiana. Thomas was born to the union of Sam and Mattie (Howard) Taylor in Henning, Tennessee, on August 24, 1924. He was honorably discharged from the United States Navy on January 4, 1945, after serving his country faithfully. He was united in holy matrimony to Joetta Cheatom on August 14, 1964, in South Bend, Indiana. He worked for the United States Post Office until his retirement and lived in South Bend most of his life. He was a member of his local Kingdom Hall and served faithfully. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Mattie Taylor, and a daughter, Gail Roland. Thomas is survived by his wife, Joetta; and daughters, Luttra Lewis and Ruth Ann Taylor; one son, Thomas D. (Cossetta) Taylo;r and grandchildren, Tiffany Taylor, Damon Lewis, LaTeka Lewis and Karice (Chris) Duncan; also a host of great-grandchildren, many amazing cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends. "Old soldiers don't die, they just fade away." Funeral services for Mr. Thomas Alvin Taylor will be held at noon on Monday, April 5, 2010, in Alford's Mortuary, with burial following at Fairview Cemetery. Viewing will occur in the chapel from 11:00 a.m. to noon on Monday, April 5, 2010. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary where messages of bereavement may be e-mailed to Alfordsmortuary@comcast.net, c/o the Taylor family.