1927
Willard
2007
Willard J. Kaylor
August 4, 1927 — December 15, 2007
Willard Kaylor
Fulton Area Just after noon, Saturday December 15, Willard Kaylor died as he lived--in the embrace of his family, at home, and on his own terms. Born in Harlan, Kentucky, on 4 August 1927, he and his family moved in search of wartime employment from the coalfields of eastern Kentucky to Michigan in 1942. Willard took a job with United Steel and Wire in 1944 where he worked in a variety of capacities until retiring in 1982. An activist in the labor movement, Kaylor served eighteen years as financial secretary of Local 704, UAW.
Preceeded in death by his parents, William Henry Caylor and Liva Ogle Caylor, and four sisters--Etta Sawyer, Geneva Clothier, Mary Walker, and Margaret Lavender, Willard is survived by his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Betty Grodavent Kaylor; sons Jeff Schoolcraft and Greg Detroit and daughters Robin Angola, IN, Karen Singapore, and Holly Battle Creek; sister JoAnn Richard Domaska Kalamazoo; brother-in-law Frank Lavender; several nieces and nephews; grandchildren James Emory Las Vegas, Jennifer Paulson Annapolis, MD, and Adrian Kaylor Atlanta; and great grandson James Paulson.
Willard, sometimes called John, will be most remembered for his unyielding character; his generosity, even though, growing up poor, he knew the value of a dollar; and his liberal social and political views, especially on questions of race--but with one noteworthy exception. Nobody who encountered Willard in a social encounter could escape hearing at least one of his not always politically-correct jokes at the expense of an eastern European nationality.
An intensely private man, Willard insisted there be no visitation or funeral; his wishes will be honored. Willard loved the outdoors and particularly gardening so the family plans on some sort of get-together come springtime. Given the season and Willard's heartfelt concern for those less fortunate than himself, donations in his name should be directed at the Salvation Army or The Food Bank of South Central Michigan. Others may wish to donate to Lifespan.
Fulton Area Just after noon, Saturday December 15, Willard Kaylor died as he lived--in the embrace of his family, at home, and on his own terms. Born in Harlan, Kentucky, on 4 August 1927, he and his family moved in search of wartime employment from the coalfields of eastern Kentucky to Michigan in 1942. Willard took a job with United Steel and Wire in 1944 where he worked in a variety of capacities until retiring in 1982. An activist in the labor movement, Kaylor served eighteen years as financial secretary of Local 704, UAW.
Preceeded in death by his parents, William Henry Caylor and Liva Ogle Caylor, and four sisters--Etta Sawyer, Geneva Clothier, Mary Walker, and Margaret Lavender, Willard is survived by his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Betty Grodavent Kaylor; sons Jeff Schoolcraft and Greg Detroit and daughters Robin Angola, IN, Karen Singapore, and Holly Battle Creek; sister JoAnn Richard Domaska Kalamazoo; brother-in-law Frank Lavender; several nieces and nephews; grandchildren James Emory Las Vegas, Jennifer Paulson Annapolis, MD, and Adrian Kaylor Atlanta; and great grandson James Paulson.
Willard, sometimes called John, will be most remembered for his unyielding character; his generosity, even though, growing up poor, he knew the value of a dollar; and his liberal social and political views, especially on questions of race--but with one noteworthy exception. Nobody who encountered Willard in a social encounter could escape hearing at least one of his not always politically-correct jokes at the expense of an eastern European nationality.
An intensely private man, Willard insisted there be no visitation or funeral; his wishes will be honored. Willard loved the outdoors and particularly gardening so the family plans on some sort of get-together come springtime. Given the season and Willard's heartfelt concern for those less fortunate than himself, donations in his name should be directed at the Salvation Army or The Food Bank of South Central Michigan. Others may wish to donate to Lifespan.
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