Paul Duane Taylor (Ector 1958, OHS 1956-1957)

(b 11-13-1939 - - d 6-27-2018)

Obituary for Paul Duane Taylor

Paul Duane Taylor of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully, at home on June 27, 2018.

Duane was born in Odessa in 1939, son of Velma and Sam Paul Taylor. He was known for his integrity, and acquired his strong work ethic early in life when he began throwing papers as a young boy. At the age of 14 he proudly purchased a brand new automobile, and helped to support his family. Following high school, he served in the Navy as an Air Traffic Controlman aboard the USS Ranger. In 1966 he graduated from The University of Texas at Austin, married Barbara Ann Anderson, moved to San Antonio and enjoyed a highly successful career in Certified Public Accounting.

Duane’s passion for sports was unquestionable. He was an ardent fan of Texas Longhorn Football and he could rattle off statistics at the drop of a hat. If you ran into him, more than likely he would be wearing a burnt orange shirt. He fervently watched the Dallas Cowboys, the San Antonio Spurs and loved following his granddaughters’ softball endeavors. Duane enjoyed visiting Las Vegas, often joking about being born on a craps table. He was Jack Daniel’s whiskey connoisseur and a longtime Tennessee Squire. He had a great sense of humor and whenever asked how he was doing; the likely response was “Just like Tony....T-riffic!” 

He was a devoted father and grandfather, and will be missed tremendously by his son, Brandon Duane Taylor, daughter Lori Phillips, son-in-law Greg Phillips, granddaughters Taylor and Allison Phillips, as well as numerous other family members and a lifetime of friends.

An honorary Longhorn Barbeque celebrating Duane’s life will be held Wednesday, July 25, 11:00 AM at The Pigpen, 106 Pershing, San Antonio, TX. 

Duane was a 1958 member of the first graduating class of Ector High School. He was head cheerleader and Band captain during his senior year.

Duane served in the Navy as an aircraft controller at the Naval Air Station Kingsville. He went on to graduate from UTA and became a CPA in San Antonio.

Joyce McCarty Greenlee 

7-5-2018.

Many of us knew Duane. I had heard that he was ill a few weeks ago. Sorry to hear this. One of my best friends was his girlfriend for several years. I remember going for more than one or two rides in that beautiful white and aqua colored Ford of his.

Ralph Posey to John Pool.  July 20

Thank you, John, for posting this information re: Duane Taylor. Duane attended OHS IN 1956 & 1957 before Ector was opened. Duane was a Head Cheerleader for Ector's 1st Class of 1958. All of us at OHS knew, liked and respected Duane. His work ethic was one we admired. He parlayed his Odessa American paper route into affording his beautiful powder blue and white Ford Fairlane (convertible?). Duane was truly exceptional and will be missed by all who knew him. R.I.P., old friend.