Donald Lafayette Taylor

Donald Lafayette “Duck” Taylor Sr., 67, of Duncan passed away Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Duncan Regional Hospital.


Don was born February 12, 1952 in Duncan, Oklahoma, son of James and Alta Mae (Taylor) Taylor. He was a champion wrestler and football player during high school. He graduated from Duncan High School in 1970 and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science from Cameron University.

Don and Deborah Benson were married in Wichita Falls, Texas on September 2, 1976. He worked in the oilfield as a roughneck and as a teacher and assistant football coach for Duncan High School. Don was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and a faithful member of the Magnolia Church of Christ. He was a member of the Breakfast Optimist Club, Flat Cam Car Club, founder of Young Gentlemen in Christ, Boy Scout master, president of Stephens County Black Historical Society, vice-president of Douglass Community Center Organization, member of Juneteenth Celebration Committee, member of Duncan City Parks and Recreation Board, including the first Christmas lighting of Douglass Park. He played semi-professional football for the Oklahoma City Wranglers. He loved old cars, camping, fishing, hunting and working in the yard. He was extremely proud to be an integral part of the foster grandparent program for Delta Community Action, as well as served on the board of the Delta Community Action Foundation for several years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Alta Mae, son Donald Lafayette II, grandson Tevon Williams, brothers Willie and Bobby Taylor and sister Charlene Franklin.

Survivors include his wife Deborah "D.J" Taylor of the home in Duncan; sons Clayton Franklin of Tulsa and Dermond Jones of Duncan; daughters Kiesha Holloway Powell and husband Michael of Atlanta, Georgia, Jacquetta Taylor Campbell and husband Vernon of Oklahoma City, Danae’Taylor and R’Damien Russell of Duncan, LaShai Henderson-Taylor of Oklahoma City and Eumika Thomas of Duncan; brothers Leroy (Michelle)Taylor of Duncan and Michael (Maye)Taylor of Oklahoma City; sister Colleen Calvin of Port Saint Lucie, Florida; grand children Kanesha Smith, Evan Sullivan, Mylishia Gipson, Kaylin Taylor, Quiania Williams, DeAndrieia Thomas, D’Kaevion Taylor, RaNya Wright, LaVion Wright, J’Shawn Franklin, Diamond Jones, Kedrick Jones, D.J. Jones, Hayven Hall, granddaughter due in November, a beloved granddog, Sweet Pea, and many more nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.