Obituary of Merle F. Taylor

Merle Freeman Taylor, age 86, died at home with family on May 30, 2023, after recent health complications.

As the patriarch of the Taylor family, his influence was felt far and wide. Merle was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many.

Merle was born and raised in Mt. Pleasant,PA and attended Mt. Pleasant schools, until moving to Connellsville, PA for his senior year. At the age of 18 he enlisted in the Air Force, traveling the world as an airman, one of his most proud accomplishments.

After his deployment, Merle settled in Brooklyn, NY and attended City College for electrical engineering. Later moving to Plainfield, NJ, he worked for MTA/NY Transit for over 25 years, retiring in 1992.

Merle was a Mason and belonged to Stone Square Lodge No 38. He served as Past Worshipful Master, MWPGHL: Past Grand Lecturer, Douglass Consistory No. 10: GIG Merle F Taylor 33 Degree. He held former memberships as Golconda Temple No. 24, Zerubbabel Chapter No. 5 HRAM, Joppa Chapter No. 4: R&S Mason, and Rebecca Chapter No. 1.

Merle was also a private flight instructor from the 1980s to 2000s at the Kupper Airport in Manville, NJ, (now known as Central Jersey Airport), and was one of the first African American instructors at the airport. He also achieved his commercial pilot license. He enjoyed fishing, hunting,and cruising in his red 1962 Chevy Impala.

After his retirement Merle and his wife relocated back to Mt. Pleasant PA. He was a member and held various leadership roles at the local American Legion Post 446, with his last role being Finance Officer. He was a member of the Legion’s Honor Guard, performing military funeral honors for any local serviceman. He was the oldest living member at the Mt.PleasantSecond Baptist Church.

Merle was preceded in death by his wife Laura A. Taylor, of 56 years. He is survived by his three children Veronica Taylor, Angela Qualls (Eric), and Merle Taylor (Jennifer) and his seven grandchildren Savannah Hill, Kenneth J. Hill, Eric Qualls, Merle Kip Taylor, Makayla Taylor, Mariah Qualls, and Matthias Taylor, who were his pride and joy. One of seven children, he isalso survived by his two sisters Laverne Wormack of Scottdale, PA and Hattie Lee Taylor of Staunton, VA,and many nieces and nephews.

To celebrate Merle’s life, family and friends will be received on Saturday June 10, 2023, from 10 am-12 pm, at Galone-Caruso Funeral Home, 204 Eagle Street, Mt. Pleasant, PA. A service will immediately follow at 12:00 pm, in the funeral home, with the Rev. Kevin Bundridge officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Merle’s name to the Mt. Pleasant, PA American Legion, Post 446, Honor Guard.

Merle lived a full life and loved the Lord.