Philip B Taylor

Phil was born on January 13, 1944 to Marion “Dip” and Betty (Blair) Taylor in Omaha. He was baptized at Lefler United Methodist Church and later confirmed as a member to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.
Phil graduated from Omaha South High with the class of 1962. In 1963 he was married to Sally Cappello. In this union, two daughters were born, Susan Marie and Lisa Ann.
Phil became a lineman for OPPD in 1967. He retired after 34 years of service in 2001. Phil loved his job and was quite proud to be a lineman. All at OPPD knew him for playing jokes and labeling new apprentices with nicknames. He gave his co-workers a good laugh over the years. He was a member of the IBEW-International Brotherhood of Electric Workers, Local Union #763.
On August 31, 1991, he married Diane Ernst Harm at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, IA. Phil and Diane enjoyed dancing, going for motorcycle rides, boating, camping, and skiing in Colorado. After his retirement they enjoyed their motor home travels, and in more recent years, their “bus trips” with friends.
“Papa” was his name to his eight grandchildren and three great-granddaughters. Phil would show them, as well as many other children over the years, how he could “take off his thumb.” All the kids would marvel at his “special talent”, giving them a wide-eyed surprised look.
Phil was employed part-time with One World Community Health Center for the last eight years. He helped drive the Ronald McDonald Dental bus to elementary schools.
Phil loved to watch sports on TV, especially football, hockey, and NASCAR. He was a Nebraska fan who blew his “fog horn” outside for all the neighbors to hear when the Huskers had scored a touchdown. He also played golf with the OPPD League on Wednesdays.
Phil was a hard worker, at his jobs and at home. He was proud of how he cared for his “boy toys.” It was a must to have a “clean and waxed” vehicle, motorcycle, boat, and motorhome. When a chore had to be done, it would be done now, not later.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, nephew; Scott Taylor , his sister-in-law; Denise Ernst in 2007, and his father-in-law Merle Ernst in 2008. Survivors are his wife of 23 years, Diane; daughters, Susan Suiter (Mike) of Springfield, NE., Lisa Whiting (Craig) of Las Vegas; stepdaughters, Dee Dee Fix of Eddy, TX, and Danel Kuhlmann of Littleton, CO. Grandchildren include Isaac Espejo and wife Courtney, Zacarius Espejo and wife Stefanie, Devin Smith, Tanner Smith, Duncan Smith, Maison Fix, Ciara Kuhlmann, and Civana Kuhlmann. Three great-granddaughters, Grace Taylor Espejo, Charley Anne Espejo and Presley Rae Espejo. Brother Tom Taylor (Donna) of Globe, AZ. Brother-in-laws; Al (Cher) Ernst, of Carol Stream, IL. and Jerry (Barb) Ernst of Denison, IA. Sister - law; Donita (Dan) Mork of Sac City, IA. Mother-in-law; Lois Ernst of Schleswig, IA.