MSgt. Kevin B Taylor

     Retired Master Sergeant (MSgt) Kevin Bernard Taylor, 63 of Dover, Delaware passed in August 2020 at Bayhealth Kent Campus.

     Kevin Taylor was born in 1956 in Washington, DC.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) on July 24, 1974. Shortly thereafter, he met his wife.  Kevin and Cassandra Grice were married on October 16,1976. Together, Kevin and Sandy would build a beautiful family of 6 in a home filled with love and music.

     Kevin truly had a huge heart.  He was all about service and taking care of people. He was active in the kingdom of God serving as a Praise and Worship Leader, assisting in marriage ministry, and being an elder for several churches throughout all his military duty stations and spiritual assignments.

     For fun Kevin spent time frequenting car lots, car shows, joking with others, supporting his beloved Washington Redskins, collecting model cars and watches, and as he would say, “taking naps before bed”.

     Kevin graduated from Bell Vocational High School in June of 1974. On September 24, 2000, Kevin was ordained as an elder at Kingdom Life in Milford, DE. On March 27, 2004, Kevin was ordained to the office of Elder at New Life Family Worship Center. On July 9, 2005, he completed a Bachelor of Biblical Studies from Friends International Christian University and affiliate center, Calvary Bible Institute. On February 19, 2012, received a Certificate of Ministry from Destiny Christian Church. 

     In his 21-year career with the Air Force (AF) Retired MSgt Taylor was stationed at Dover Air Force Base (AFB), Delaware, Istanbul, Turkey, Keesler AFB, Mississippi, and Scott AFB, Illinois.  While stationed in Turkey, Kevin accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  MSgt Taylor had several accomplishments.  Some include an Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 devices, a Meritorious Service Medal with 2 devices, an Air Force Training Ribbon, an Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, and the National Defense Service Medal with 1 device.

     As an Airman, he served as a squadron cargo processor for the 436th Aerial Support Squadron, at Dover AFB. As he rose to the rank of Sergeant, he worked as a material handling equipment operator and as a base casualty assistance clerk. He also worked in personal affairs preparing reports of casualties of active duty and retired AF deaths. Kevin was responsible for completely streamlining the survivor benefits program system at Keesler AFB.  It was noted that he was an excellent organizer, was often ahead of schedule with preparations and calm under pressure, and “a natural leader.” While stationed at MAC Headquarters, at Scott AFB, Kevin supervised all aspects of Operation Desert Shield/Storm decoration processing and ensured all deployment/TDY taskings were filled on time and by qualified personnel. 

     As the Deputy Director for the Family Support Center, he furnished command guidance to 145 military and civilian personnel at 15 Family Support Centers.   All these tasks helped lay the foundation for his second career outside of the AF. 

     On June 16, 1995, he began his second career with the State of Delaware Division of Social Services (DSS). Kevin was hired as an Administrative Assistant I, in just two months he was promoted to Social Worker/Case Manager Supervisor at the Northeast State Service Center. In November 1998, he transferred to the Carroll’s Plaza location in Dover. In November 2015, Kevin became a Social Services Senior Administrator for Area 4 where he continued to provide leadership and service through his retirement. Kevin served as a “Subject Matter Expert” for the DSS modernization project, participated in the DelPat committee and led unit meetings for all Kent County while supporting 6 supervisors and countless staff. He retired after 23 years of service with the state on December 1, 2018.

     Kevin is survived by his wife of almost 44 years Cassandra Taylor, Dover, DE, Roswell Taylor, Jr, father, children, Cherisse Taylor, Smyrna, DE, Charonda Johnson (David) Townsend, DE, Chenee’ Brooks (Charles, Jr) Magnolia, DE, Kevin Taylor, Jr (Aderricka), Clayton, DE. His 5 grandchildren, Cadence, Caleb, Judah, Kalani and Canaan, siblings Arnold R. Coleman (Inga), Yvette Carter (Howard), Dynia Beaty, and Rodney Coleman (Tanya) as well as a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, godchildren, spiritual family, military family, State of Delaware family, and loved ones.

     He was preceded in death by Bertha M. Coleman (mother), Frances D. Taylor (stepmother), Mack A. Coleman (stepfather), Roswell A. Taylor, Sr (paternal grandfather), Lilian Taylor Reeder (paternal grandmother), Flora Marbley (maternal grandmother), Willie Marbley (maternal grandfather), and Popeye the Taylor dog.

     A private Memorial Service was held at Dover AFB Chapel 2 on October 2, 2020.  A private family burial occurred at the Millsboro Veterans Cemetery on October 2, 2020.

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to USO Delaware.  You can donate online at http://www.uso.org/donatedelaware  or by mail to USO Delaware at 500 Purple Heart Way, Dover, Delaware 19902.

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