Richard Evans Taylor, age 80, of Hondo/Yancey passed away Feb. 16, 2014, at a San Antonio hospital. Born June 29, 1933, near Liberal, Kansas, he was the first son of Edward and Golda (Schroyer) Taylor. He graduated from Liberal High School in 1952 and served his country in the United States Air Force. Richard spent 24 years with Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies, earning a LUTCF designation. He served Medina, Bandera, Frio, Bosque, Bell, Henderson and Guadalupe counties. A member of Gideon International for 43 years, he held offices at the local and state levels and enjoyed that ministry. He served on the Yancey School Board and Yancey Cemetery Board. He also helped deliver food commodities to the various communities in the county. After retirement, raising cattle and making hay was the lifestyle he enjoyed. Having never built anything of size but a tool shed and pole barn, he built a two level home on top of a hill on the ranch almost entirely by himself. In later years, beekeeping became a fun hobby for him. During their 55 years together, he and Jonell had the opportunity to travel in all 50 states as well as Africa, Canada, England, Hong Kong-China, Mexico, Nassau, St. Thomas VI, and Spain. He was a member of Yancey United Methodist Church and served on numerous boards. In 2011, Richard received the "Bishop's Exemplar Award" from the Kerrville District of Southwest Texas Conference. He was preceded in death by his parents; baby sister, Delorus June; and brother, Lt. Col. Esco Taylor. He is survived by his wife, Jonell (Wiemers) Taylor of Hondo/Yancey; daughters, Pam Wise of Beaumont and Patsy Sonnamaker of Hondo; grandchildren, Capt. Keith Wise of Twenty-Nine Palms CA, Alicia Sonnamaker of Tyler, and Brianna Sonnamaker of Hondo; brothers, Bob and wife Vicki of Salem IL, Arley and wife Gaynal of Warrensburg MO, Edward and wife Carolyn of Hutchinson KS; sister, Jennie O'Dell and husband Don of Derby KS; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the Guinn-Horger Chapel. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 20, at Yancey United Methodist Church, followed by interment at Yancey Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Gideons International, Yancey United Methodist Church, or the charity of your choice.