John H Taylor, Jr.

John Henry Taylor, Jr departed this life on September 15, 2023. He was born at Jefferson Davis Hospital in Houston, Texas to John Henry Taylor and Odelia (née Goodwin) Prudhomme Taylor. He was the youngest of 4 children. He was affectionately called “Junior Boy” by his family. He grew up in Galena Park, Texas where he attended school. He graduated from Fidelity Manor High School in 1965.

After graduation, in 1966 John was drafted into the United States Army where he fought in the Vietnam War. John was a Corporal in the 2nd battalion, 36th artillery. He was a Field Artillery (FA) Crewman where he handled & coordinated firing of cannons, rockets, and missiles. John was part of the 1st Infantry Division which was one of the first two divisions sent to defend the Republic of Vietnam. For five years the “Big Red One” fought main force Viet Cong (VC) and regular North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces in the jungles of northwest Saigon. John was honorably discharged in 1968 receiving the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM), along with the Bronze Star for his injury during combat. He was also awarded the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Honorable Discharge, and Good Conduct medals. Once John returned from combat, he started employment at the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA), where he would transport top secret documents.

Prior to leaving for combat he met Rose Mary Taylor, whom he asked to marry him on December 25, 1969. They later married on August 14, 1971, at Clinton Park United Methodist Church. They moved to Southeast Houston to begin their lives together, and became members of Crestmont Park United Methodist Church. Shortly after their union, John continued his education at Houston Community College. In 1975, after being married 4 years, they chose to embrace their Daughter, April Jara Taylor, who years later blessed Him with the light of his life, his only grandson, Jamarc Jacoby Taylor Anderson, I. Jamarc blessed him with two great grandsons, Jamarc II and Valen.

Always the selfless provider for his family, John was employed at the United States Postal Service for 38 years, and worked at the same location during his tenure until his retirement at, 401 Franklin St. formerly known as the “Main Post Office” in Downtown Houston.

When he was not working, he enjoyed working on cars, spending time with family, and developed a love of bowling. John was a bowler for many decades. He joined many local leagues, travel leagues, and bowled in many tournaments. Always trying to perfect his bowling his hard work would pay off, earning him two 300 games, and one 298 game for which he received rewards for his accomplishments. He was well-known in the bowling community where they became his “bowling family”. He developed many close friendships that lasted many decades until his passing. Even when John was no longer physically able to bowl, he still went to the bowling alley often to watch his family bowl and be in their company.

John became a member along with his wife and daughter of Jones Memorial “The Higher Way” Church and he served the Lord faithfully attending each Sunday’s worship service with Rose. John was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry Taylor and Odelia Taylor, his brothers Spencer and Wilbur Prudhomme, and sister Martha Prudhomme Scott. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Rose Mary (née Williams) Taylor, his daughter April Jara Taylor, his grandson Jamarc Jacoby Taylor Anderson, I, and two great grandsons, Jamarc Jacoby Taylor Anderson, II and Valen Jermaine Anderson. John was a well-loved man who leaves behind a host of family & friends to celebrate his life.