Elvia H. Taylor III
1941-2021
Elvia Henry Taylor III passed from this life Sunday, January 3, 2021.
Elvia was born in 1941 to Elvia and Dorothy (Dial) Taylor in Oklahoma City. He graduated from Classen High School in 1960 and remained lifelong friends with David Graham, Leroy James and Terry Head. Just after graduating high school, he attended Central State University in Edmond. Elvia married Velta Armstrong in 1963 and they made their home in Edmond where they were blessed with two children, Steve and Kelly. Elvia served in the Army National Guard in the HHC 45th Infantry Brigade from 1965 to 1971 and worked as a flooring specialist with Bentleys for 44 years until his retirement in 2006. Elvia enjoyed the outdoors, always taking advantage of a sunny day to go fishing or work in the yard. He loved spending time with his family, taking grandchildren to the park, watching Nascar races and cheering on his OSU Cowboy football team. He was a caregiver and a companion to his mother Dorothy during her final 5 years of life. He never turned down the opportunity to host friends, celebrate a special occasion or watch his beloved grand-dogs. He will be remembered by all that knew him for his patience, kindness, generosity and humility. Elvia was preceded in death by parents Elvia and Dorothy Taylor and brother Gary Taylor. Elvia is survived by his wife of 57 years, Velta Taylor, son Steve Taylor (Lisa) of Edmond, daughter Kelly McMahon (John) of El Paso, TX, grandchildren Cali, Kinsey and Chloe Taylor of Tuttle, Taylor and Carson McMahon of El Paso, TX, Morgan Hughes (Jordan) of Edmond, and Austin Ledlow (Layah) of Albuquerque, N.M.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at the Matthews Funeral Home Chapel in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Inurnment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org)
We will be live streaming this service in an effort to accommodate those people that wish to attend but feel they should not due to health regulations. To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on ‘Videos’, then ‘Live Streams’.
Hello Elvia’s Family,
I was in the Classen band with Elvia for several years and though it was sad to hear of his passing it brought up so many good memories of him during that time.
I dug out my 1960 Orbit yearbook as I remembered that Elvia wrote a lovely sentiment with a most unique signature that made it stand out on the page.
He was a stand out person in every way. Not many of the band members were athletes as well and I remember the dedication of those guys because our band director was extremely demanding of our time. Elvia could always be counted on to cheer all of us when those demands became tiresome and he kept our spirits up especially on the numerous band bus trips to the various competitions around the state.
In reading the obituary for Elvia it appears his adult life was fulfilling which is no surprise knowing what a stand-up guy he was in high school. It was a privilege to know him.
I will always remember Eliva , I went to Classen High School also, class of 1962 . I am Leroy James’ sister and many times he would be at our house to spend the night . He always had a smile and teased me a lot. Very kind person, he came to our fathers funeral and it meant a lot to us. Rest in peace Elvia. Your brother was also very kind, we went all through Classen together. So sorry Velda for your loss.
We are so sorry to hear of Elvia’s passing. Always had a smile and wave to us. Prayer’s hugs and love from the Cordray’s
I’m so grateful to have known Elvia all my life. Elvia’s kind, compassionate heart and great sense of humor always put a smile on my face.
He was truly a great friend to our family and he gave us many unforgettable memories. Praying for God’s grace to surround family and friends.