Lester James Taylor

Lester 'Les' James Taylor, 78, of Sunray, passed away on Monday, September 11, 2017. Funeral Services are scheduled for 10 o'clock in the morning on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Bible Baptist Church with Rev. Seth Seale, officiating. Interment will follow at Northlawn Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are entrusted to Morrison Funeral Directors. Les was born on November 18, 1938 in Ogelsby OK, to Jess and Lova (Gougler) Taylor. He grew up in Ogelsby and graduated from Ogelsby High School. He married Joyce Coffey in her parents' house in Dumas on February 18, 1961. The couple would eventually move to Sunray in 1974 and in 1975, Les began Les Taylor Drilling. He owned and operated the business until he retired in 2000 and sold the business to his son Randy. Les loved working on and collecting old cars, tractors and later on in life enjoyed raising and working cattle. He was a longtime member of the Sunray City Council, Palo Duro River Authority Board and Bible Baptist Church in Sunray. He loved his church and was a very big supporter of the building fund and the transportation fund. His greatest love was his family and grandchildren who will miss him greatly. He is preceded in death by his parents and 6 brothers and sisters. Les is survived by his wife Joyce of the home; children; Randy Taylor and wife Cathy of Sunray, Tammie Bumpas of Sunray, and John Taylor and wife Amy of Windsor, CO; brothers: Paul and David Taylor both of Bartlesville, OK; sisters: Nancy Melendez of Venice, FL, Mavis Cedarburg of Firth, ID, and Gladys Nicholls of Nowata, OK; grandchildren; Misti Loman, Raniel Bumpas, Erin Shaw, Darren Bumpas, Bristen Rodriguez , Nicole Taylor, Tiffany Taylor, Casey Taylor, Josh Taylor, and Michala Taylor; and six great-grandchildren. The family suggest with gratitude memorials be made to American Cancer Association, 3915 Bell St, Amarillo, TX 79109. The family will be at 1015 Ave R in Sunray.