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Howard Taylor, age 75 of Ogallala, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2008 at the Aurora South Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado.

He was born January 22, 1933 in Glade, Kansas the son of Gale "Cowboy" and Beulah (Athertan) Taylor. Howard grew up and attended school in Atwood, Kansas graduating from high school in 1952. He served with the First Marine Division overseas from 1953 until 1955.

Howard married Donna Vest on May 27, 1957 in Franklin, Nebraska. She preceded him in death on February 9, 1985. He married Bonnie Ward on October 10, 1986 in Ogallala.

Howard taught school and coached for eight years. He retired from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture as an inspector for the Department of Dairies and Foods in 1993 after twenty two years of service. He was a life member of the VFW, a member of the American Legion, The Loyal Order of the Moose, The Big Mac Sports Club and the Ogallala United Methodist Church.

Howard’s hobbies included hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation. His latest interest was fly fishing and he enjoyed the group that tied flies together.

Survivors include:

His wife, Bonnie Taylor of Ogallala

Son, Ted Taylor of Gothenburg, NE

Foster son, Victor "Smokey" Burgess of Lincoln, NE

Step Children, Barry Ward of Ogallala

Julie Ward of Longmont, CO

Anita Wagner of Long Beach, CA

Brother, Ray Taylor of Rifle, CO

Grandchildren, Josh Taylor and Georgia Taylor

He was also preceded in death by a son, Raymond Taylor; grandson, Raymond Taylor; and a sister Marchela Prideaux.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2008 at the Ogallala United Methodist Church with Pastor Jim Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Ogallala Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Gubser Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent at gubserfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to the Make A Wish Foundation of the Ogallala United Methodist Church in his memory.

Gubser Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.