Carl Taylor

I Corinthians 13:4-7 (KJV) Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Summoned by his angels, Carl Taylor, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, quietly left this life to spend eternity with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, March 14th.

On February 20, 1943 (and one minute before his twin brother, James), Carl, the son of Isaac and Dollie (Redding) Taylor, was born in Macon, Georgia. In 1947, the family relocated to South Bend, Indiana. There, he attended John Adams High School and graduated in 1961. After earning several certifications, Carl worked as an architect for Myles Laboratory (later known as Bayer Corporation) until he retired in 2005. Later in life, he became a host at the Four Winds Casino in South Bend. He loved his job as a greeter and was cherished by those he engaged with.

Carl was a devoted husband and a proud father. Nothing brought him greater joy than his family’s love. In 1969, Carl married the lovely Vernator (Austin) Taylor. They stayed married and in love until her death in 1996. Their union was blessed with two beautiful children, Brantley Carl and Loren Gerard (d. 1994). After Vernator’s passing, God heard his heart and allowed love to call his name again. In 1999, Carl met and married his wife, Marilyn (Brown) Taylor. Together, they lived a full life.

Early in life, Carl dedicated himself to the Lord and was a committed, faithful, and devoted member of churches throughout the city, including Pilgrim Baptist Church, Faith Christian Center, and, currently, Clay United Methodist Church. 

Carl Taylor was loved and adored fiercely. Everyone always felt joy when he entered a room. Proverbs 17:22 reads, “A happy heart is good medicine, and a joyful mind causes healing...” His infectious laughter and playful demeanor never failed to bring happiness. He showered us with affection, was truly present, and built personal, unbreakable bonds. He loved telling us how much he loved us and playfully pinched our cheeks just to prove it. He and his twin brother, James, were everyone’s favorite “Twuncles.” We, the enamored, considered ourselves lucky to have identical twin uncles to share.

Carl lived a beautiful life, cherishing his many blessings, and was a man of remarkable talents. His skills as a grill and smoke master were unmatched—nothing tasted better than the meals he prepared. He loved attending the annual Redding Family Reunions, fishing, volunteering, sharing old-time stories with his brothers and sisters, and enjoying cruises and vacations with his family.

God’s divine love is supreme, unconditional, and eternal. No matter how much we longed for Carl to stay here on Earth with us, God’s call home could not be delayed. He was welcomed into Heaven, where love and peace never end. There, he was met by his parents, Isaac and Dollie (Redding) Taylor; his wife, Vernator; his son, Loren; his sisters, Lena (Willie) Henry, Alice (Buddy) Milon, Dollie Ruth (Lloyd) Johnson, Grace (Mack “Pete”) Williams, Louise (Charles) Green, and Mary Ann (Buford “Mouse”) Hilliard; and his brothers, Reuben (Roberta), Benner, Joseph (Betty), Sanford (Sharon) Taylor, and David. Also present were his father and mother-in-law, Samuel and Vernator Austin, Sr.; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Earl (Geraldine) Cheaton, Buddy (Estella) Burrell, Betty Berry, Sam (Clara) Austin, Jr., Percy (Barbara) Jones, Richard Jennings, and William Austin.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marilyn Taylor; son, Brantley (Njeri) Taylor; granddaughter, Gabrielle Taylor; grandson, Andre Njuguna; brothers, Benjamin (Marlene) and James (LaVonne); sisters-in-law, Vera Taylor and Debra Jennings; and brother-in-law, Geno Austin. Carl is also survived by a loving host of Redding & Austin cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family wishes to sincerely thank Carl’s outstanding healthcare team: Dr. Brian Jacobs (Primary Care), the doctors and nurses at Memorial Hospital in South Bend & St. Joseph’s Hospital in Mishawaka, Elara in-home Hospice Care, and the Center for Hospice in Elkhart, Indiana. Additionally, we would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to Palmer Funeral Homes for your kindness and care.

Above all, to Clay Church and Pastor Brian Duran, words cannot fully express how deeply grateful we are for the opening of your hearts and doors to the Carl Taylor family. May God abundantly bless and keep you in His will.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 27 2026 from 11:00AM to 12:00PM at Clay Church,  52866 N Ironwood Rd, South Bend, IN 46635.The funeral service will begin at 12:00PM.

Palmer Funeral Home-Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.plamerfuneralhomes.com.

Many, Lord my God,
    are the wonders you have done,
    the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
    were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
    they would be too many to declare.

Psalm 40:5 (NIV)

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