Nat Massey Taylor Jr.

Nat Massey Taylor, Jr. died December 25, 2011 at the age of 87. He died in the same way that he lived- with courage. As always, he was under the watchful eye of his wife, Betty Jo, the love of his life. He was born July 23, 1924 in Weatherford, Oklahoma to Nat and Lena Taylor. His family rejoiced for Nat Jr. joined five sisters: Fleta (Marion Archer), Frances (Jack Osborne), Dema (Richard Hancock and Paul Mahoney), Lena (Harold Smith), and Clara Mae (jack Moman and Rodney Coe).

Nat graduated from Arapaho High School in the spring of 1943 and immediately joined the U.S. Navy. He served 33 months in the South Pacific War Theater during World War II. He was awarded the 7th Fleet Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, South Pacific Victory Medal, and Good
Conduct Ribbon.

When he returned, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jo (Coulson). To this union were born two children: Linda (Steve Gray) of Stillwater and John of Temple, Texas.

In May of 1946, Nat became a dispatcher for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. At the age of 25, he completed the required schooling and qualified to be an Oklahoma State Trooper. Twenty years later, her retired and went to work for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and a year later the Oklahoma State Department of Corrections as a Pardon and Parole Officer.

Organizations that he supported were the American Legion, Masons, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Retired Oklahoma Troopers Association, Oklahoma Sheriff and Peace Officers Organization, and the Fraternal Order of Police.

In 1972, Nat received the Payne County Liberty Award-Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer by the Payne County Bar Association. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason.

In addition to his parents, Nat was preceded in death by his five sisters. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter and son-in-law, six grandchildren: Nat Robert (Cameron) Taylor, Cathy Jo (Drew) Denison, Maryjane Tiffany (Jon) Thompson, Melody Sue (Jeremy) Phelps, Stephen Gray, and Nataly Noel (Cody) Murray, eleven great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

The famiy wishes to thank Arnez Williams and Alicia Mayfield, Caregivers; HomeCall; and Judith Karman Hospice for their outstanding care and compassion.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 31, at 11:00am at the Palmer Marler Funeral Home Chapel, 5106 N. Washington, Stillwater, OK 74075.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Judith Karman Hospice or Stillwater Medical Center Auxiliary in Nats Memory.