Jerry Charles Taylor was born 8/25/1942, and departed this life 5/27/2015, after a painful three year battle with carcinoid cancer and many years of diabetes. The only child of C.R. Ike Taylor and Dolores Pearl (Gregg) Taylor, he was born in Beaver, OK. Jerry graduated from Weatherford High School in 1960 and went on to graduate from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where he played football. He married his best friend, Charlotte Hillman from Kaw City, OK, in 1965. He also received his Masters of Education degree from Central State University, now UCO, in 1968.

He began his teaching career in Marshall, OK, where he taught math and coached football from 1965-68. He took the Marshall Dragons to the 1968 State championship game, where they finished as state runner-up. In 1969, he took a position in Thomas, OK, where he spent the next 30 years as a teacher and a member of the coaching staff. He was fortunate enough to mentor under Joe Ross and Kenneth Roof and be a part of the great tradition of Thomas Terrier football, including the 1969 State Championship Team. During his tenure there, he was class sponsor for several classes and befriended many students. He was chosen to be an assistant coach for the West All-State Football Team in 1990.

In addition to his teaching and coaching duties, he was an official for the OSSAA for 26 years. In his early years he umpired baseball. He would proudly tell the story about the last baseball game he umpired, which was one of Johnny Benchs last high school playoffs games. He was part of a basketball referee team that turned into a great group of friends off the court as well. The highlight of many springs was his chance to clock times at the State Track Meet. In 1993 Jerry was inducted to the Lindsay All-Girl Tournament Hall of Fame. In 2005, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Officials Association Hall of Fame.

In his spare time, (until the last five years) he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golf. He also farmed and ranched for many years, where he had many farm-hands that he taught a solid work ethic with tough love. Many of these hands went on to achieve great accomplishments; including a bank president, a FBI agent, a doctor, a business owner, teachers, and a tribal governor. He had numerous hobbies, and he liked creating and building various things. He was the proud father of two children, Lynn and Dean, and three grandchildren, Merritt, Macey and Madison, all who survive him. Additionally, he is survived by numerous cousins and step-family. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother, Opal Carman Taylor.

Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, or the charity of your choice.