Terry Lee Taylor

Terry Lee Taylor, age 82, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully after his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Thursday, December 15th, 2022, at his home in Wind Crest, Highlands Ranch, Co.

Terry was born November 15, 1940, in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Charles Sheridan and Eleanor Maxine (Westenheiser) Taylor. Terry graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School 1958, and Michigan State University with a BS degree from MSU School of Packaging in 1963.

Terry married wife Evelyn Marie Schelb on June 23, 1961. They started their relationship at Milwood Junior High and enjoyed more than 70 years together. They had two children, Daniel Lee born 1965 (deceased 1990) and Diane Marie born 1967.

Terry’s career in research and development spanned 32 years with General Foods which became Kraft Foods. Career highlights included working with Kool-Aid, pet foods, and technical research/product development with desserts including Jell-o pudding pops, and Culinova fresh dinners. Terry’s career took the family to many living locations including Battle Creek, Michigan, Oak Forest and Kankakee, Illinois and 20 years in Pound Ridge, New York. While in Pound Ridge Terry was active with Pound Ridge Community Church ushering weekly on Sunday’s and volunteering yearly for the annual Lobster and Clambake fund raiser.

Terry retired in 1996 at age 55, and moved to Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia, where he and Evelyn designed and moved into their custom dream home. They made the most of retirement spending time with friends, playing cards, boating and enjoying activities on the lake, volunteering for the Bedford ride, and many travels. They travelled internationally, and nationally and enjoyed many ocean and river cruises. They often visited family in Colorado, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

In July of 2019 they downsized and moved to Wind Crest Retirement Community in Littleton, Colorado to be closer to their daughter and her family. Terry and Evelyn enjoyed meeting new friends and socializing with their neighbors at Wind Crest.

Terry is survived by his wife Evelyn, sister Nicki Marten and brother-in-law Werner Marten, sister Lynne Lane and brother-in-law John Lane, daughter Diane Monkouski, son-in-law John Monkouski, grandchildren Quinlan Monkouski, Keely Monkouski, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-law family.

Terry will be missed by many near and far. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, son, friend, brother, uncle, and mentor to so many that will carry his memory on.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity, smile at a stranger, or brighten someone’s day whenever you can.