Memorial

Robert Harmon Taylor died peacefully January 13, at his home near Shueyville, Iowa. Born July 9, 1922 in Cedar Rapids, Bob received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Chicago in 1944. He served the Army Air Corps as a meteorologist in the China Burma India Theater during World War II, reaching the rank of first lieutenant. 

Following release from service, he studied actuarial science at the University of Iowa, receiving his master's degree in 1952. He joined the consulting actuarial firm of Taylor and Taylor in 1946, where he practiced until retiring in 1988. He established Network Data Processing Corporation in 1956 and served as chairman until 1998. 

Following his retirement, Bob maintained a keen interest in University of Iowa studies and endowed many awards, including those directed at actuarial science achievements and, with his daughter Susan, the Taylor Chehak Award for Excellence at the Iowa Writers' Workshop. He was an avid Hawkeye fan and enjoyed attending Iowa football games with friends and extended family, up to and including this last season. 

Bob also cared deeply about the Cedar Rapids community and was one of the founders of the Footlighters, precursor to Theater Cedar Rapids. 

Bob was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy Bates Taylor, father Harmon Robert Taylor, brothers Samuel Lord Taylor and Allen Marcus Taylor. He is survived by his wife, Mary Susan Stamy Taylor; daughters Christopher Bussell (Bill), Deborah Chehak (John), Susan Chehak (Tom), Meredith Du Bon (Ulises) and son Robin Taylor (Richard DiBella); sisters Marian Antin and Nancy Gallagher (Richard); as well as seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

He wished to be remembered as a thinker, and so he is.

Private graveside service was held at Cedar Memorial Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to The University of Iowa Foundation, PO Box 4550, Iowa City, Iowa 52244 (givetoiowa.org) or First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Rapids, 310 Fifth Street SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401.