Murland L. “Mike” Taylor of Parsons died at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. At 99 1/2 years old (he said he earned that half-year), he had hoped to make it to his 100th birthday, being the forward-looking man that he was.
He was born Jan 6, 1926, in Adrian, Missouri, to George and Goldie Taylor. He married Charlene Diskin on May 8, 1949, and spent 71 devoted years together, until her death in May 2020.
Dad’s passions were his family, his business, the city of Parsons and aviation. He was a simple man who lived an extraordinary life. He lived his life with integrity, honesty, generosity and hard work. As a member of the Greatest Generation, he was strongly influenced by the Great Depression and World War II. He grew up on a farm, enlisted in the Army Air Corps at age 17 and saw active duty at age 18, serving as a nose gunner on a B-24 bomber for 28 missions.
He had a lifelong love of aviation, having earned his pilot’s license at age 16. He flew planes throughout his life and built or rebuilt 15 planes. He also restored many cars, tractors and various other projects. There were few things he couldn’t fix or build. Our friends often said he could “MacGyver” anything.
Dad was the epitome of the self-made man. With only a high school degree, he opened his first business, Taylor Liquid Feed & Fertilizer Co. in 1966. After, he established Taylor Seed Co. A few years later, he began designing and manufacturing equipment to help facilitate processing the seed. This led to the establishment of Taylor Products Inc., which became his sole business focus.
He held many patents through the years, as he improved upon and developed new equipment that was sold nationally and internationally. His designs and equipment continue to be manufactured and sold globally.
He served 24 years on the board of Labette County Medical Center. He also served on the board of First National Bank of Parsons.
Dad was dedicated to his city of Parsons, and was quietly philanthropic toward its long-term betterment and the preservation of its history.
In retirement, he contributed many hours to the Parsons Historical Society and Museum Complex.
He is survived by his children, Charles “Chuck” Taylor (Coleen) of Kona, Hawaii, Marilyn Taylor of Olathe, Karen Taylor Stein of Olathe, John Taylor (Toni) of Paradise, Texas, Jane Dick (David) of Parsons, Tim Taylor (Char) of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Ken Taylor (Rhonna) of Parsons and Becky Taylor of Atlanta, Georgia; 15 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlene; his parents; a sister, Helen Wofford; and a brother, Wilbur Taylor.
The service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at the Memorial Lawn Cemetery Pati, with Pat McReynolds officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorials to the Parsons Area Community Foundation. They may be left at or sent to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS, 67357. Leave online messages at www.wallfuneralservices.com.
