Franklin Edward Taylor, known affectionately as; Pops, Dad, Senior, and Grandpa embarked on his final journey to the Lord’s embrace on the 12th of February, 2026 from Austin, TX. Born in the winter of 1944 in Elmira, NY, to the late Samantha A. Taylor (Hetrick) and William E. Taylor, Frank’s life was a testament to the values of love, faith, and humor that he held dear.
Frank was a graduate of Thomas A. Edison High School (Elmira, NY), where the seeds of his future endeavors were sown. He carried the spirit of his hometown with him, even as he ventured far and wide during his honorable service in the Navy, bravely serving his country in the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he channeled his steadfast work ethic into the successful small business, Taylor Glass Company, in Millerton, PA, where he raised his family.
Anchored by his unwavering Christian faith, Frank’s life was a reflection of the Scripture, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13). His love and hard work were the beacons that guided the Taylor family, shining brightly upon his wife Glenice, and their four sons; Dereck, Timothy (Joelle), Shawn (Natalie), and Franklin Jr. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Taylor. His legacy continues to flourish through his ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, each a sparkle in the mosaic of his memory.
Some of Frank’s interests throughout his life were; hunting and fishing in his younger days, he did embrace the beauty of nature. He had a passion for buying and selling just about anything from antiques to toy trucks, baseball cards to velvet Elvises, and Bev Dolittle to G. Harvey. Frank cherished the monthly poker games with the son that he loved and his friends from church. His passion for numismatics was more than a hobby; it was a window into history, a collection of stories held in the palm of one’s hand. Yet, above all, his greatest joy was found in the laughter and love of his family and friends, a testament to his humor and generous nature.
Two quotes by one of Frank’s favorite actors, John Wayne, accurately sum up his personal philosophy on life; “Well, it’s not how you’re buried. It’s how you’re remembered.” and “I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me and my friends respect me. The others can do whatever the hell they please.” Job done, Pops!
Frank whole-heartedly believed, as Emmett Kelly immortalized “Laughter is the universal language of the soul”. In these veins, Frank served his family, his friends, and his community, always with a joke at the ready to lighten the heart. He has left us with smiles amidst our tears.
Franklin Edward Taylor’s story does not end here, for he lives on in the hearts of those he touched. While his earthly chapter concludes, his spirit ascends to a divine reunion, where laughter is eternal, and love is the currency of the realm. We celebrate his journey and cherish the indelible mark he has left on our souls. Rest in peace, Grandpa, until we meet again.
A graveside service will be held at Shockley Cemetery on Saturday February 28, 2026, at 2:00pm. Visitation will be held at Layne Funeral Home on Saturday February 28, 2026, from 11:30 until 1:30. The procession to the Shockley Cemetery will follow directly after visitation.
