Submitted by: Dan Rich

Harold Holmes Taylor

Aug. 1, 1916 - Dec. 11, 2005

South Bend Tribune 12/14/2005                                       

Harold Holmes Taylor, 89, formerly of Hilltop Drive, South Bend, passed away Sunday, December 11, 2005, in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend. Harold had recently resided in Granger with family. He was born on August 1, 1916, in Logansport, Indiana, to the late Omer F. and Phiana (Holmes) Taylor.

On August 31, 1940, he married the former Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Holmes. She preceded him in death in 1966 after 26 wonderful years. On December 1, 1967, Harold was fortunate to marry his second wife, Sterling McReady Humphreys. They shared 33 years as soulmates before Sterling passed away on October 20, 2000. Also preceding Harold in death were his two brothers, Albert and William Taylor.

Harold was a self-employed painting contractor for many years before going to work as a sales representative for the Sherwin Williams Paint Company, from which he retired. Harold had been a member of Saint Paul's Memorial Methodist Church for more than 50 years and was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of St. Joseph Lodge No. 45 F&AM. Harold was self-educated and had a passion for learning right up until his death. Harold was an avid reader who had a vast knowledge of many things. He was a wonderful storyteller and cook who shared cheesecake and apple crisp with his family almost until his death.

Harold is survived by his loving family, a daughter, Linda (James) Rohm of Granger; son, Robert (Joann) Taylor of Connecticut; two stepdaughters, Judie (James) Woltman of LaPorte, Ind., and Katie (Ralph) Komasinski of South Bend; and a stepson, John (Lynne) Humphreys of Georgia. He had 11 grandchildren, Josh (Monica) Rohm, David (Karen) Rohm, Amy Rohm, Mary Elizabeth and Leann Taylor, Jackie Bowen, Jim (Misti) Woltman, Michael (Heather) Komasinski, Stephanie (Rae) Barbee, J.R. and Daniel Humphreys; and nine great-grandchildren, Lauren, Zack, Taylor, Betsey, Nolan, Ashley, Kristine, Abigail and Sam. Harold is also survived by his sister, Betty Lou (John) Clark of Mishawaka.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 16, 2005, in Saint Paul's Memorial United Methodist Church, 1001 West Colfax, South Bend, IN, with Rev. Kathy Miller officiating. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service. Harold's family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Saint Joseph County CASA Program, 1000 South Michigan, South Bend, IN 46601. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend, assisted the family with arrangements.