Lucian Connell Taylor

Lucian Connell Taylor, 89, of Abilene, passed away Monday, August 24, 2009 at his home. The family visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Funeral services, with Rev. Jack Ridlehoover officiating, will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday in the chapel at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. Connell was born in Loraine, Texas to Willis and Myrtle (Craft) Taylor on January 30, 1920. He graduated from Abilene High School and Hardin-Simmons University in 1942. He was a civilian pilot and an instructor pilot. Connell joined the United States Air Force and in July of 1944 was called to service overseas. His plane was shot down over Germany and Connell was taken as a Prisoner of War for 8 months. He attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he received two degrees. He was minister of music and education at several Texas and New Mexico churches. Connell was a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Donna Taylor in 2006; his brother, Glenn Taylor and his sister, Patsy Ruth Landers. Connell is survived by his wife, Jimmie Kate Richards-Taylor, of Abilene; two sons, Jerry Taylor, of Lawn and Randy Taylor and his wife Sue, of New Braunfels; one daughter, Lucia Simmons and her husband Gordy, of Detroit, Michigan; one sister, Mary Ola Turner, of Georgetown; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.