Gerald Taylor Jr

Gerald Walter (Jerry) Taylor Jr., 71, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on April 21, 2026, at his home in Florence, CO. He will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Jerry was born on February 12, 1955, in Paris, Texas, to Gerald and Wilda Taylor. As the son of schoolteachers, he moved several times during his childhood, eventually settling in Patterson, CA, when he was in the first grade. A motivated student, Jerry graduated from Patterson High School mid-term in the 1972-1973 school year, earning enough credits to begin attending Modesto Jr. College.

While in college, Jerry met his bride-to-be, Florina Cunningham. It was love at first sight, and the two were married on June 16, 1973. Seeking a stable career to provide for his new family, Jerry joined the U.S. Air Force. He began as an electro-mechanical technician specializing in telephone switching equipment. When that field was phased out, he transitioned into metallurgy and welding—a field he loved and excelled in. Stationed at various TAC bases in Texas, California, and Florida, he took great pride in working on the flight line with F-4, F-15, and F-16 fighter jets.

During his seven and a half years at Homestead AFB in Florida, Jerry embraced life under the sun, learning to scuba dive and purchasing his first motorcycle. He and Florina spent many hours riding throughout Southern Florida. He also worked part-time at the base hobby shop, where he mastered leatherworking, stained glass, ceramics, and trap and skeet shooting.

The final chapter of his 20-year military career took the family overseas to Keflavik Naval Air Station, Iceland, where he raised his young family for eight and a half years. Upon his military retirement from Peterson AFB, Jerry moved to Westcliffe, Colorado to be near his parents. He settled in Florence, Colorado in 1993 and utilized his VA benefits to obtain his CDL with every available endorsement. After continuing his welding career in several machine and welding shops, Jerry joined Airgas, where he retired in 2024 after 25 years of dedicated service.

Jerry was known for his incredible work ethic and his "fix-it" spirit. Even in retirement, he was always pursuing a new project or tending his garden. Jerry was a strong believer in Jesus, and his faith was central to his life; he was an active member of the Christian Motorcyclist Association and served his church by running the soundboard. Jerry had a massive heart, often providing a "hand-up" to those in need—whether it was a place to stay, gas money, or a bicycle he had refurbished.

He was a devoted family man who cherished 53 years of marriage. He loved the outdoors and took his family camping every summer. In his later years, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his greatest pride. He was their biggest fan, attending every game and school program, even filming the programs at Florence Elementary School to share with other parents. He loved family gatherings, especially holidays. With a large family it was hard to get everyone together and when we all got together. He was the happiest.

Jerry is preceded in death by his grandparents and his mother, Wilda Taylor.

He is survived by his father, Gerald Taylor; his wife, Florina Taylor; and his three children: daughter, Christine (Jinno) Magno; son, JC (Kristi) Taylor; and daughter, Sarah (Dave) Masterson.

He also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren: Tony (Sandra Hood) Magno, Joey (Emma Trujillo) Magno, Jasmine Magno, Jason (Arien Gurule) Magno, Avery Taylor, Dylan Walker, Levi Walker, Briana Walker, Arienh Masterson, David Masterson III, Haylie (Brad) Waggoner, Jayson VanMeter, and Adais Tanguay. His legacy continues through his eight great-grandchildren: Isabella Magno, Julian Magno, Aurelio Magno, Alexander Thill, Waylon Thill, Lynnea Lawrence, Neviah Lawrence, and Everly Waggoner. He will also be missed by his beloved dogs, Max and Sissy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Grandview Christian Church in Cañon City, CO, at 2:00 PM on May 17, 2026.

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