Richard "Coach Rick" Taylor, 79, of Olathe, KS passed Tuesday, December 7, 2021. Visitation will be 5-7 PM, Monday December 13, at Overland Park Baptist Temple. Funeral will be 10 am on Tuesday at the church followed by burial at Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
Rick was born November 22, 1942 in Kansas City, Missouri to Richard and Vera Taylor. He lived most of his life in Johnson County, except a short stint in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. He attended Stanley High School and graduated from Kansas State Teacher's College (Pittsburg State University), which is where he met the love of his life, Nancy. He loved playing golf, games, fishing, shooting guns and pool, and working in the yard.
Rick is preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Linda, who died in infancy.
He coached and taught Physical Education in the Blue Valley School District for over 30 years. He coached many sports while at Blue Valley but his love was Boy's Basketball and Boy's and Girl's Golf. He has influenced thousands of young people throughout his career, including teachers, players, and students. Rick was instrumental in helping two small town rivals, Stanley and Stilwell, come together to create the Blue Valley School District. He was kind to everyone he met (except maybe a few referees). He loved what he did and enjoyed going to work everyday!
He and Nancy eloped on March 3, 1965 in Miami, Oklahoma. They raised two daughters, Michelle and Elizabeth and have four grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy Taylor, daughter, Michelle Guthrie and husband Donald; Elizabeth Clemmons and husband Mark, granddaughter, Katie White; granddaughter, Hannah James and husband Elliott, grandson, Taylor Clemmons and wife Rachael, and grandson, Maguire Clemmons, siblings Gary Taylor and wife Becky and Tom Taylor, and nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the Rick Taylor Scholarship fund, c/o Cornerstone Bank, 9120 W. 135th, Overland Park, KS 66221
To leave a message of condolence for Rick's family, or to share a special memory of Rick, visit the guestbook below.