Friday, December 30, 2022, at age 102.
Dear daughter of the late Lillian and Milton Buck; beloved wife of the late Gilbert M. Taylor; our beloved aunt and friend to many.
Mrs. Taylor retired from Ameren after 42 years.
Services: Visitation at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL, 10151 Gravois, Monday, January 9, 8:30 a.m. until services at 10:00 a.m. Interment JB National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Shriners Hospitals for Children, American Heart Association or Mercy South Hospice appreciated.
Laverne was a beautiful lady and friend.
Laverne was a beloved relative and friend.
I first met Chief Warrant Officer Gil Taylor in 1976 when I was assigned as Adjutant of the 1138th Engineer Battalion. Subsequently, Gil and LaVerne became a major part of our lives. We considered them to be family.
After we moved from St. Louis to Oklahoma, they often visited. Our oldest daughter, Stacey, was married in Oklahoma City; our youngest, Sheryl, in Austin, Texas. LaVerne and Diane Poole Blood, another close friend from St. Louis, attended both weddings. Diane’s husband, Milt, also attended Sheryl’s wedding.
My wife, Sandra, and I remember the good times we spent with both Gil and LaVerne. In Las Vegas, Gil slipped a few dollars to the nightclub hosts at the Liberace and Bobby Vinton shows; consequently we ended up passing those waiting in line and were given front row seats. The following days LaVerne and Sandra spent a lot of time shopping as Gil and I napped the mornings. Sandra reminded me that LaVerne had a lot of stamina. As alternate delegates to the National Guard Convention, Gil and I did have to rise to attend the voting sessions.
In Laguna Beach Gil and LaVerne went to a piano bar where my lifetime friend, Carol Sue, was entertaining. Gil sat next to Carol Sue and, after a couple of songs, leaned over and asked her if she knew Gary Mann. Naturally, she was surprised. Gil loved kidding people.
LaVerne retired as the secretary to the president of Union Electric. She went on several cruises with her girlfriends. Gil and LaVerne’s automobile license plate was number 85 because LaVerne’s father was involved in Missouri politics.
We have wonderful memories of LaVerne and will miss her.
My husband Richard Stelling, worked with Gil at the Armory for a while and we became good friends with him and Laverne. We moved to Dallas in 1973 and they did come to visit us. We kept in touch for many years. We still kept in touch after Gil passed away for many years. Then mostly thru Christmas cards and notes. By then Laverne was about 95 and we never heard from her again. Thought she may have passed away. Was so surprised to see this announcement on Facebook. We had many good times with Laverne and Gil. Loved them. Rest In Peace Laverne.
My condolences to Laverne and her family. I was a fellow unit Administrative Supply Technician AST with Gil Taylor. In June 1966 he recommended me for the Supply position while he did the administrative duties. I became close friends with Gil and Laverne during my whole career in 138th/1138th units Co A, Co C and HHC.
I will miss both of the dearly. As they were a part of my military and as well as my near and dear family and friends.
You cannot help but smile when you think of LaVerne and her husband Gil. She will be missed by all. My deepest sympathy to LaVerne’s family and dear friends.