Thurman Dean Taylor's Obituary
In Memory of Thurman “Dean” Taylor June 21, 1944 – October 13, 2025
Now this here tale’s of a man named Dean,
With a grin as wide as you’ve ever seen.
Born back East in Illinois clay,
But the desert sun stole his heart away.
He grew up strong where the cacti bloom,
Where Phoenix heat filled every room.
Then Tucson called — he made his stand,
A badge and heart in a steady hand.
From Rincon High he took his stride,
Class of ’62 — with pride.
Then on to college, Bear Down true,
At the U of A he saw it through.
A Bachelor’s cap, his goal made plain,
Public Administration his gain.
He learned to lead, to plan, to guide —
Those lessons served him all his life.
Before he wore the badge of blue,
He served his country, brave and true.
A Navy medic, steady and kind,
In Vietnam with heart and mind.
He healed the wounded, soothed their pain,
And carried courage through the rain.
He bore the cost but never bragged,
Just flew Old Glory — never flagged.
Through years of work, both rough and sweet,
He walked the beat and kept the street.
Assistant Chief when he hung his hat,
But slowing down? Dean laughed at that!
He pumped some gas at Buck’s old place,
With a friendly word and a weathered face.
He’d swap you stories by the mile,
Each one told in that Taylor style.
He loved his Sandra — his lifelong mate,
Together they rolled through every state.
On Harleys roaring, hearts set free,
They chased the wind and destiny.
He’d ride the Tour de Tucson race,
With sunburned arms and a happy face.
And once for fun (just like he said),
He pedaled to Phoenix and back instead!
The Fraternal Order knew his name,
For loyalty was Dean’s true game.
And when the nights grew cold and bare,
At Sacred Heart — you’d find him there.
He served with kindness, lent a hand,
The truest soul in all the land.
He loved a tale both wild and grand,
Could spin a yarn right on demand.
From tales of cops to Sam McGee,
He’d tell them loud with victory.
He leaves behind his dearest crew —
Sandra, steadfast, strong, and true;
His son, young Jeff, with Angela dear,
Whose love and laughter filled his years.
And daughters four he held in pride,
Dee, Kelly, Cori, Cindy — tied
By bonds of joy that never fade,
The life he built, the love he made.
And one more branch upon his tree,
His brother Gary, as close could be;
With Suzie near and children four —
Greg, Steve, and Brian, and Laurie more.
They’ll keep his stories, loud and clear,
And ride with Dean in memory dear.
His folks, Lewis and Orean fair,
And sister Marilyn wait him there.
They’ve set the campfire’s gentle glow,
To light the path for those below.
So raise your glass and tip your hat,
To a man who gave the world all that.
He’s ridin’ roads we’ve yet to see,
Where every mile runs wild and free.
Services for Dean will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 601 E. Fort Lowell Rd., Tucson, Saturday, November 15, 2025 at noon with a luncheon gathering at the church hall directly afterward,— to honor the man who rode with grace, and left this world a brighter place.
What’s your fondest memory of Thurman?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thurman?
Share a story where Thurman's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thurman you’ll never forget.
How did Thurman make you smile?