March 20th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

FORT ASHBY, WV — The Reverend Daniel Gordon Taylor, 70, of Fort Ashby, went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, peacefully surrounded by loved ones at UPMC Western Maryland after a valiant fight against chronic kidney and heart conditions.

First born on August 12, 1949, in Jacksonville, FL., and again on April 10, 1985, in Little Rock, AR., Rev. Dan was the son of the late Rev. Cecil L. Taylor and Ella Jane “Janie” (Nader) Taylor. He was preceded in death by his bride of 42 years, Terrellyn Dorothy (Wolford) Taylor.

Rev. Dan was the pastor of Melvin/Fairview Avenue Charge of the United Methodist Church. He was a retired US Army Chief Warrant Officer who served two tours of duty in Viet Nam on PBRs. He was a Military Policeman who became a Special Agent for the Army Criminal Investigations and Military Intelligence. His duty stations included Viet Nam, Panama, Korea, and locations in the USA. He was awarded numerous decorations including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, and the Army Achievement Medal.

Upon his retirement from the US Army in 1988, he moved from Texarkana, Texas, to Cumberland to take over the family ministry. He became Assistant Director of the Union Rescue Mission of Western Maryland, Inc. and was promoted to Executive Director when his father, the founder of “The Mission,” crossed over in 1996. After thirty years of service, Rev. Dan retired from his involvement.

Throughout his military and civilian life, he was a member of many humanitarian and prestigious organizations like Ancon Masonic Lodge of Balboa R. of Panama, The Lions Club International, The Shriners International Society, The Girl Scouts of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Vietnam Veterans of America. For all of his life he served God, Country, or Community and received countless accolades for his services.

Rev. Dan was a 1967 graduate of Fort Hill High School and held degrees from both Butler University, Indianapolis, IN., and West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV. Rev. Dan is survived by his loving wife: Mrs. Kristin Marie (Kochel) Taylor, Fort Ashby, WV; his daughters: T. Noelle Kesner, Romney, WV; and Sarah Dunlap and her husband, Raymond, Short Gap, WV.

He is also survived by his brother: John L. Wolford and sister, Janie Shuck; his grandchildren: Taylor Kesner and Xander Dunlap; his aunt: Mary Emily Shafer; his nieces: Phoebe Rochelle Wolford, Leslie (Wolford) Taylor-Neumann, Tammy Nichols, and Karen Huggins; his nephew: Rhett Wolford; many cousins, great-nieces, and people he called his family.

Due to the current health regulation, services will be held privately. A celebration of life and memorial service for all who would want to attend will be held in August at an outside location such as Rocky Gap State Park or Union Grove Campground. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Park.