grave import

Obituary

LaVerne Taylor, age 61, left our earth peacefully at 11:18 am on Wednesday, June 1, 2017, at Great River Hospice House from complications related to his brief battle with advanced pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by loved ones when he passed over to begin his Eternal Life in Heaven.
Born "just on schedule" in Burlington, Iowa, at 4:07 pm, December 31, 1955, he was the "tax exemption" son of Donald F. Taylor and Maxine Staub Taylor. At home he joined his three sisters, Mary, Twilla and Alma. Soon after, his "baby sister", Terri, joined the family. Named after his father, Don LaVerne Taylor, he was known as LaVerne, Burn, Bernie, and Vern. He lived his entire life in the Burlington/West Burlington area. He was a graduate of the 1974 Class of BHS.
LaVerne married the love of his life and soulmate, Lori Givans on October 17, 1987. They celebrated their 30th anniversary in February with a trip to their favorite resort in Jamaica. LaVerne and Lori were the proud parents of their son, Ross Arthur Taylor. Ross died tragically in a car accident on March 1, 2008, at the age of 18. The loss of his son Ross was a loss LaVerne would never overcome.
LaVerne worked at the same address and building for 30+ years, retiring on January 1, 2011, from Simpson Security Papers. He really enjoyed the lifetime friends that he made at work, but loved being retired. After retirement, his favorite saying was "Every day is Saturday", always said with a smile to those still working. He looked forward to Lori retiring early so they could just take off and travel the United States.
Over the years LaVerne had many interests. His family was very important to him. He especially loved spending afternoons with his mother while she was at Klein Center. He was always a sports fan following the St. Louis Cardinals, the Green Bay Packers, Iowa Hawkeyes and Professional Golf. He also enjoyed the river, camping, boating, fishing, his Harley Davidson and other activities. He owned a river lot for years so that he could enjoy his river activities. His true passion was shooting pool. For years he shot pool on various D&R/GRE night pool leagues. He loved to shoot pool anywhere, any time. He had pretty well mastered his game.
LaVerne was a very kind, gentle and thoughtful man. He was a loving husband to his wife and a wonderful father. He was a loving son, brother, and a friend to all.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Lori; his faithful companion, Tottionna (his miniature dachshund); sisters, Mary (Tim) Edgerly, Alma (Larry) Kirby, and Terri (Chuck) Swanner; and generations of loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Ross Arthur Taylor; his parents, Don and Maxine Taylor; and his sister, Twilla Leaming.
He had requested cremation. Visitation is scheduled at Lunning Chapel 5-7:30 pm Monday, June 5th. The Memorial Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10 am Tuesday, June 6th, at SS Mary and Patrick Catholic Church, 520 West Mount Pleasant St., West Burlington. The Rev. Father Marty Goetz will be the celebrant. LaVerne's nephew, Doug Vandiver, will give the Eulogy. Inurnment will follow in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A Celebration of Life and a Luncheon will immediately follow at the Burlington Moose Lodge.
A memorial has been established for P.A.W.S. of Ft. Madison.