Terry Kent Taylor, 85, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away Thursday September 3, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, MO.

Terry was born on October 19, 1940, on a farm near Eureka, Kansas. Terry had a lifelong love of aviation beginning at the age of four, when an aircraft ran out of fuel, landing in a family farm pasture near their home.

He graduated from Humboldt High School in Humboldt, Kansas in 1958. He then enlisted in the US Navy Aviation branch with aircraft carrier assignments in many coastal air stations in several countries. When discharged from the Navy, Terry went to work for the Boeing Co. at three separate locations where he worked on modifying the B52 bomber and assembly of Apollo 1, which put the first man on the moon. Following his five years with Boeing, he began a wonderful career at Trans World Airlines, where, after 33 years, he retired as Director of Aircraft Engineering. He also attended Metropolitan Junior College and the University of Missouri, Kansas City majoring in Business Management. He attained his private pilot license which had been one of his lifetime goals and accomplishments.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Wanda (Barnes) Taylor, his older brother, Richard Taylor and his younger sister, Karen Taylor Thomas.

He is survived by his cherished soulmate and wife of 39 years, Karen DeWitt Taylor, his beloved children, daughter, Tracey Taylor Rooney (Bobby), his sons, Shawn Taylor (Julie), Todd Taylor (Amy) and, four grandchildren, Maggie, Whitney, Garrett and Ty of whom Terry and Karen were tremendously proud of. They will love and miss him every day. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews across the country. Terry was previously married to Marie Kimminau Taylor, Gladstone, MO.

Terry never met a stranger, lived a full life enjoying great friends both at home and during he and Karen’s many years of travel, including Europe, Mexico, Canada and their favorites, Colorado and Florida.

Graveside Services for Terry will be held Friday, October 9, 2026, at 1230 PM, at the Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Rd, Leavenworth, KS. A reception in his honor will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the American Legion Post 58, 2607 State Route 92, Smithville, MO, from 1-4PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Terry’s name to the Saint Luke’s Hospital Foundation, 901 East 104 Street, KCMO 64131. The family holds deep appreciation and gratitude for Terry’s care throughout the years.