Ward Melbourne Taylor, M.D.

Ward M. Taylor M.D., 92, of Toledo, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 8, 2023, in his home. Born November 1, 1930, to Gerald and Ethel (Miller) Taylor, he grew up during the Great Depression on the family farm with two older sisters, Joyce, and Geraldine. They lived a folklore “Down on the Farm” lifestyle including the presence of a dollar-a-day farm hand named Harvey who took meals with the family and slept in the barn. Harvey frequently asked little Ward for particulars about "mom". The farm had a two-seater outhouse and pitcher pumps. As a youngster, Sister Joyce told him she knew a secret way to drink from the dipper. When she refused to reveal the secret Ward picked up a shard of brick and threw it at her, cutting her arm. Joyce ran to mama crying and tattling. She got spanked for lying and Ward got a cookie. His mom’s devotion allowed him to attend college and medical school. She worked selling real estate and helped pay tuition bills. Ward was a true scholar and graduated early from Sexton High School then went on to Albion College and the University of Michigan Medical School. He practiced General Surgery from the late 1950s through retirement in 2000. He practiced at Henry Ford Hospital and Blaine Clinic in Detroit, moved to Toledo in 1972 and rose to become Chief of Surgery at St. Vincent Hospital. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved golf, fishing, hunting, and travel. He was very intelligent, always personable, and steadfastly principled. He knew how to enjoy life.

Ward is survived by his children, David W. Taylor and Julie Taylor; grandchildren, Wade Hampton Taylor, Joseph Johnston Taylor, Eli Whitney Taylor, Rachel Lavelle, Taylor Kitzler and three great granddaughters Sunny, Kora, and Peyton. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Gretchen Lee Williamson Taylor of Ypsilanti.

Friends will be received from 5-8 p.m., Monday, May 15, 2023, in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.), Toledo, where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 16, 2023. The burial will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.