The Eagle

Former Westland Mayor Tom Taylor is mourned

Thomas Frank Taylor, 89, the third mayor in the City of Westland, died Dec. 12.

Mr. Taylor, born Oct. 10, 1936, in Detroit, was known as man of integrity, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his loved ones and community.

Mr. Taylor’s distinguished career began as a police officer in the City of Wayne. Later in his career, he served as police chief in Stockbridge. He chose to become a police officer in Westland when the community became a city. His leadership and commitment to public service continued as he served as Wayne County Commissioner and culminated in his election as mayor of Westland, where he served from 1976 to 1982. Following his tenure as mayor, he became a salesman of deferred compensation plans. Later, he was appointed director of Thomas F. Taylor Towers, a role he filled until his retirement. Mr. Taylor’s contributions to the community were amplified through his significant role on the board of the Wayne/Westland Credit Union.

Mr. Taylor was an avid reader and collector of books, a passion that led him to pen his own work, "The Golf Murders: A Readers' and Collectors' Guide to Golf Mystery Fiction," an Annotated and Illustrated Bibliography. His love for literature also birthed the Taylor Search Service, through which he helped many in their quest for rare and sought-after books. Mr. Taylor’s fascination with genealogy led him to delve deeply into his family's history.

He enjoyed traveling, playing golf, studying Japanese, weaving, and savoring the simple pleasure of coffee and crosswords with friends.

“Mr. Taylor was the driving force behind the development of Taylor Towers, championing the vision of safe, affordable, and independent housing for senior residents of the city. Equally significant was the financial sustainability model he advanced, which enabled the facility to remain solvent, adaptable, and well maintained over time. That model continues to support ongoing upgrades and long-term stability for Taylor Towers decades later,” commented current Westland Mayor Kevin Coleman.

In addition to Phyllis Taylor, his loving wife of 68 years, Mr. Taylor is survived by his children Raymond (Patricia) Peterson, Thomas (Jean) Taylor, Tamara (Rick) Geisen, son-in-law, Ken Reiss, and daughter-in-law, Kathy Taylor. He is preceded in death by his children Cynthia Reiss, Michael Taylor, Zachary Taylor, and Leslie Taylor. He was a cherished grandfather to Jennifer, the late Rick, Danielle, Tamara, Nicole, Thomas III, Samantha, Sarah, Michael, Robert, Benjamin, Quentin, and Max, and great-grandfather to Alexandria, Emma, Rebel, Stephanie, Everett, Alissa, Quinn, Evolet, Nathan, Jayden, and Liv. His legacy continues to flourish with great-great-grandchildren Everett and Amelia. Tom also leaves behind his siblings Michael (Lori) Reddy, David (Carol) Reddy, Sheila (John) Rogers, and is preceded in death by Jack Reddy and Maureen Reddy. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Uht Funeral Home in Westland.