Darlene Faye Taylor, 86, died August 24, 2022, at her home in Dodge City. She was born on May 12, 1936, in Waldo, Kansas, the daughter of Joseph Ray and Blanche Estelle (Schafer) Caprez.
Darlene grew up in Waldo where she enjoyed playing basketball during her school years. After high school, Darlene married Billie H. Taylor on April 28, 1956. Darlene stayed home with her children until they were teenagers; she then went to work for Hardees in Hutchinson. The family later moved to Dodge City where Darlene went to work for USD 443 Food Service; where the highlight of her day was seeing and engaging with the kids as they came through the lunch room.
Darlene loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even great great grandchildren. She also made it a priority to watch her children and grandchildren in their extracurricular activities such as sports and cheerleading. Darlene also enjoyed bowling, camping, and playing Bunco with her family.
Darlene was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, a professional women’s sorority. Although not a member, she was also very active with her husband in Ambucs, dressing up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus during the holidays. She also enjoyed helping out with Relay for Life.
She is survived by her daughter, Donna Anderson and her husband Dave of Dodge City; three sons, Jeff Taylor and wife Marcy of Dodge City, Darrel Taylor of Ames, Iowa, and Allan Taylor and wife Belinda of Topeka; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; and siblings, Ruth Jean Hutchinson, Lottie Lou Boyd, and Conrad Caprez and wife Kenna. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Blanche Caprez; husband, Billie Taylor; and siblings, Dee Caprez and Veda Wanasek.
Memorial service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Dodge City on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 2:00 PM with Rev. Jerre Nolte presiding. The service will be livestreamed on the Swaim Funeral Chapel Facebook page. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.
Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church of Dodge City in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.