Butch Taylor

Taylor

Butch Taylor, 78, departed this life for the next, on March 21, 2026, after an extended illness, surrounded by his family. He was born January 31,1948, to Walter Howard Taylor and Mary Fenton Taylor of Williamstown, WV. He often reminisced of his idyllic childhood, growing up in Williamstown. He frequently opted for adventures in the woods, in lieu of attending school, fostering a lifelong love of the outdoors. Attending Williamstown High School, he discovered an affinity for the game of football, receiving All State Honorable Mention his freshman season. In addition, he served as president of his senior class. He was an assistant Scout Master to Marietta Troop 209, completing a “50 Mile Afoot-Afloat” challenge with his scouts.

Upon graduation, he joined the Marietta Fire Department, receiving his permanent appointment April 28, 1969. He excelled as a firefighter and was proud to help develop a Health and Safety program to improve conditions for all his brothers and sisters that followed.

On October 29, 1980, he married Brenda Ellen Worstell in Winchester, VA. They welcomed a daughter, Corey Brooke, in 1985, and she forever remained the brightest light in his life.

He became a member of Valley View Baptist Church in 2004, where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and Challenge Course facilitator. He was also a 50 year member of the American Union #1 Masonic Lodge in Marietta, Ohio.

He was a lover of the outdoors, spending his younger life camping, rock climbing, canoeing and kayak trekking. He loved the mountains of West Virginia and spent as much time there as possible.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Thomas Taylor and Fenton Taylor. He is survived by his wife Brenda, daughter Corey, and her husband Zach Kirkpatrick, with whom he shared a birthday. He was blessed with two grandchildren, Tacey and Caleb Kirkpatrick, whom he loved fiercely. He was loved by brothers and sisters in law, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date, and memorial donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.