John Melvin Taylor, 79, executive with the federal government, resident of Okmulgee, OK; passed away, Saturday, August 24, 2013, in Companion Nursing Home, Tulsa, OK.

On July 4, 1934, John Melvin Taylor, was born to Bennie and Viola Taylor, in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma. He was the tenth (10) child of fourteen (14) children. John started school at a very early age. His formal education was attained at the Rosenwald High School.

After graduation he moved to California. His extended career was with the Federal Government. After he was employed with the Federal government, he met and married his wife Edna, to this union two sons were born, Lorenzo and Mark. He remained there until his retirement. John loved the Lord, he came to Christ at an early age and while in California he was ordained as a Deacon. After his retirement he came back to Okmulgee and united with the New Salem Baptist Church. He was member of choir. He also sang with the Okmulgee Male Chorus. John also served as president of the NAACP. Later he united with the Macedonia Baptist Church, he also sang in the choir at Macedonia and he did Prison Ministry in Boley, OK.

John was a people person. He always stayed in touch with his school mates. He never forgot names and birthdays. He enjoyed his life and many times he would say. He had a good life, because traveling was one of his favorite things to do and he really did that. He can always be remembered by his hearty-robust laughter.

John remained a faithful member of Macedonia Baptist Church until departing this life on August 24, 2013.

Preceding his death was his, father, mother, five brothers, two sisters, one son and one grandson.

He leaves to cherish his memory (1) brother, Nelson Taylor, Okmulgee (5) sisters, Amanda Eason, Sacramento, Ca; Ernestine Chaney, Humboldt Ks; Mary Sherford Carter, Henryetta, Ok, Edna Brown and Alice Steward, both of Wichita, Kansas, (1) son Lorenzo, Alabama; (1) daughter, Joyce Taylor, Sacramento Ca; (2) grandsons, Steven Taylor and John Melvin Taylor II, (1) granddaughter Joy Taylor, all of Sacramento Ca. (11) great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. His very special friends for over forty years, Pete and Lynette Wert of Oklahoma City, OK.

A Home Going Celebration will be conducted, Saturday, Augst 31, 2013, 10:00 a.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church, 1029 N. Souix, Okmulgee, OK; with Rev. Judson Fields, eulogizing. Interment will follow in Norfolk Cemetery, Clearview, OK.

Visitation will be Friday, 1 to 6 p.m.

The family has been cared for by the Winn family at House of Winn Funeral Home.