Taylor, Stevan William

Stevan William Taylor, Master Gunnery Sergeant Ret. USMC, 69, of Olongapo City, Philippines, formerly of Cedar Rapids died from complications of diabetes on Tuesday, June 13, 2011, at Our Lady of Lourdes International Medical Center, Olongapo City. Military rites were conducted by the Subic Bay VFW Post 11447 and Subic Bay American Legion on June 20.

Stevan was born April 3, 1942, in Cedar Rapids. He grew up in the Time Check area of Cedar Rapids and attended Harrison, Roosevelt and Jefferson schools.

Stevan joined the Marine Corps in 1961 and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He received the prestigious Bronze Star for meritorious service in combat operations in the Khe Sahn Valley of Vietnam. Stevan retired from the Marine Corps in 1989 after 28 years of service, advancing to the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant and retiring at the top of his enlisted classification as an E9.

Survivors include his wife, Maridil; a daughter, Cristina, of Olongapo; brother, Bev George Taylor (Karen) of Cedar Rapids; and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bev G. Taylor Sr. and Gladys Taylor.

Although Stevan chose to reside in the Philippines his heart remained in his extraordinary northwest neighborhood of Cedar Rapids. He always had kind words and sweet memories of the residents and never failed to inquire about their well being. The Kinnans, Posts, Cortezes, Thorsons, Thomases, Bates, Mallys, Gibsons, Jones, Wingfields, Byers, Adkins, Slocums, Waycofts and Igrams, to name a few, were all a significant part of him.

The flood of 2008 may have obliterated the neighborhood but the ties that bind have survived, as will the memory of our departed brother. Stevan touched the lives of many friends and neighbors throughout his lifetime; his carefree and humble demeanor will leave lasting impressions on all who knew him.