Scott Leeth Taliaferro

Scott Leeth Taliaferro, 90, of Abilene, TX passed away on December 24, 2012 in his home surrounded by family. Memorial service will be held at Church of the Heavenly Rest, Episcopal on Friday, December 28, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. David Romanik officiating. The family will receive friends at a visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 27, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Scott was born on May 4, 1922 in Cullman County, Alabama to Alma and Leigh Taliaferro. He graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1939, then from Yale University with a degree in Chemical Engineering, class of 1944. His time at Yale was interrupted with the start of World War II, where he served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army First Cavalry Division, Pacific Theater and Japan, from 1943-1946. A brave combat leader, he was awarded three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. He married Patty Baker Nixon of San Antonio, TX in 1951 and moved to Abilene in 1954. As an independent oil operator, he formed Scott Oils, Inc. in 1972, Texas Drilling Company in 1974, and TDC Engineering, Inc. in 1975. Scott was elected to the Board of Directors of First State Bank, Abilene, in 1965 and served for 15 years. He also served as Chairman of Executive Committee of Independent Bankshares, Inc. (ISBI) from 1980-2000, Vice-Chairman of the Board of IBSI from 1980-1988, and Chairman of the Board of ISBI from 1988-2000. He served on the State Commission of Judicial Conduct, a City of Abilene Councilman, and was a member of numerous associations and organizations in the oil and gas industry. He maintained an interest in flying, using his pilots’ license to travel with his family throughout the country. As a former president of the Petroleum Club of Abilene and Abilene Philharmonic, and many other clubs and organizations, Scott positively influenced many people, friends and strangers alike, throughout the years, and through his generosity and kindness has left an indelible mark on the city of Abilene. Scott will forever be remembered by those who knew him as a family man, a brilliant engineer and businessman, an incomparable role model, and a generous spirit. “With his passing, we remember the bravery and dedication of the Greatest Generation, and with each day that sets, we mourn all who battled through this life to find reward in the next.” Scott is survived by his wife Patty, sons Scott Jr. and Leigh, daughters-in-law Cindy and Michele, and grandchildren Jamie, Jennabeth, John, Amy, Kristi, Nick and Julie, and niece Leigh Blum of San Antonio.