Reuben Taylor

Reuben Forrest Taylor, age 94 years old, departed his earthly life on Saturday June 24, 2023 in Bentonville, AR.
Reuben was born on May 15, 1929 to the late Cas and Shella (Duncan) Taylor in Jonesboro, AR. He was a loving husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, soldier and a good Christian friend and influence to those around him.
Reuben had a natural ability to positively impact the lives of everyone he met.
After graduating from Dixie High School’s 1947 class as valedictorian, he went on to earn his degree from Arkansas State University in 1952 and planned to go into teaching. Teaching was put aside when he got involved in the Arkansas National
Guard and really enjoyed the job. Reuben spent 39 years as a full-time civil service employee and “weekend warrior”.

He enjoyed fishing, camping, woodworking, spending time with his family, and church activities. Reuben
enjoyed meeting new people at the campgrounds and introducing himself with his brain-teaser puzzles.
He loved showing the grandchildren his “Hooey Stick” making it twirl one-way and then another and enjoyed
watching the St. Louis Cardinals and the birds at his house in Lakeview. Reuben was known in the community for his love of gardening.

Reuben met and fell in love with Lorine Davidson in the Delfore community of Northeast Arkansas and they were married October 23, 1952. The two were best friends and married for 50 years. Reuben and Lorine raised their family in Jonesboro, AR where they attended and were very involved in St. Paul United Methodist Church. In 1995, they moved to Lakeview, AR to pursue their love of fishing and were greatly involved in Bull Shoals United Methodist Church. After her death in 2002, he met and married Jean LaRue on April 23, 2005. They were married 16 years until her death in 2021.

Reuben is preceded in death by his parents; wives, Lorine Davidson Taylor and Jean LaRue Taylor; siblings,
Leon Taylor, Mary Lou Taylor Ross, Bill Taylor, Bob Taylor, and JC Taylor; and grandson, Eric Benjamin Simpson.

Reuben is survived by his daughter Cleda Taylor (Dale) Simpson of Bella Vista, AR; son Tony (Susan) Taylor of
Lakeview, AR; step-children, Nan LaRue (Mickey) Yeager of Benton, AR, Mike (Suzie) LaRue of El Dorado, AR,
and Joe (LaDell) LaRue of Lakeview, AR; grandsons, Chris (Crystal) Simpson of Bella Vista, AR, Blair Taylor of
Fayetteville, AR, Lance (Christie) Taylor of Celina, TX, Drew (Bryn) Taylor of Springdale, AR; step-grandsons
Conner LaRue of Little Rock , AR, Davis LaRue of Lakeview, AR and many great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff of Village on the Park Assisted Living in Bentonville, AR for making
Reuben’s stay enjoyable since moving there in November. Also, Circle of Life Hospice Care for their excellent
care during the last 2 weeks.

A Funeral Service will be Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 11AM with a visitation from 10AM until time of service at the Bull Shoals United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dr. Charles "Pete" Beevers officiating. Entombment is at Kirby's Tucker Memorial Mausoleum on Tucker Cemetery Road in Gassville, AR, following the service with pallbearers, Blair, Lance, and Drew Taylor, Davis LaRue, Lynn Simpson, and Wade Fox. Honorary pallbearers are the Men’s group at Bull Shoals United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Bull Shoals United Methodist Church Men’s Group, 1000 Lynette Ave., Bull Shoals, AR 72619.