Harlin Earl Taylor was born on September 14, 1943, and left this life on January 6, 2020. He was born to Francis and Myrtle Taylor in rural Agra, OK. Earl was the youngest of 9 siblings, and grew up on the Wagner Farm south of Agra. Earl would frequently recall his fond memories of farming and hauling hay for many local farmers.

When Earl was born, his brother Clyde was 7 at the time. Clyde remembers telling the doctor to take Earl back where he came from because he was the baby of the family! Little did Clyde know then, but he and Earl would be brothers by blood, and lifelong friends by choice.

Earl attended Agra Public Schools and graduated in May of 1961. Growing up, Earl was a very talented athlete. Because of his towering height at a young age, he was almost impossible to guard on the basketball court. And on the baseball field, he had a mean knuckle ball that could have easily gotten him a college athletic scholarship.

Upon graduating high school, he moved to Bethany, OK and lived with his brother. He got a job at Robberson Steel as a Certified Welder. Welding became both a skill and a passion of Earl's, and he spent a lot of his time in retirement using his creativity through welding. He developed a bond with his neighbor Jerry Durbin, and they would spend a lot of time fixing broken parts, and thinking of new ways to better the machinery.

In 1962, Earl began his career with Western Electric, which later became AT&T. He joined the United States Army Reserve in November of 1965. He spent his active duty in Ft. Polk, Louisiana, where he served in the Garrison Unit. Earl received his honorable discharge in November of 1971 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He spent the rest of his professional life working for Lucent Technologies, where he retired in June of 2001. During his 39 years working for Lucent Technologies, he met his wife Margaret. They shared a deep love for the Dallas Cowboys football team, and spent 13 special years together.

Earl was baptized into the Church of the Firstborn on August 28, 2005, by Brother Richard Wright of Parkland, OK. He married Glenda Allen on October 28, 2005. In the 14 years they were married, they enjoyed traveling, playing dominos with family and friends, and made many precious memories together over lots of ice cream.

It was no secret that Earl was a country boy at heart. He loved John Deere, and even purchased a tractor so that he could relive some of his favorite childhood farming memories. If you spent a day with Earl, you would listen to "Hank's Place" on XM Radio, watch re-runs of old Western movies, and he would likely treat you to a chicken fried steak dinner. He was known for being a generous man with both his time and resources, and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to a friend or brother in need.

One of Earl's favorite movies was True Grit, and this perfectly describes Earl's character, especially as he faced the biggest fight of his life. He was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2017, and endured the battle with the same grit that he was known for all of his life. Earl never wavered on his faith in God's plans for him, and braved the mental and physical strain this disease took on him for over 2 years.

Earl loved his family dearly, and felt very blessed to have them in his life. Although Earl's family later in his life did not happen by traditional means, everyone learned that the definition of family can always grow and evolve. Earl held a very special place in his family's hearts, and he will be dearly missed by all that knew him.

Survivors include his wife of the home, Glenda Taylor; and two stepchildren, David Allen and wife Teresa of Agra; Raylene Hobbs and husband Ed of Tryon; four step-grandchildren, Chaz Allen and wife Erin of Chandler; Shane Allen and wife Jessica of Edmond; Brianna Hobbs and Ethan Hobbs of Tryon.

Three great step-granddaughters, Kennedy and Logan Allen of Chandler; Ava Allen and great step-grandson Jackson Allen of Edmond.

Two brothers Clyde Taylor and wife Glenda of Shawnee; Ralph Taylor and wife Agnes of Shawnee; one sister Marie and husband Don Miller of Shawnee; and many nieces, nephews, church members and friends.

Preceding him in death were his wife Margaret; his parents, Francis and Myrtle Taylor; three brothers, Wesley, Carl and Bill Taylor; and two sisters, Ruth Jeske, and Lucy Rolan.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home, Cushing, Oklahoma.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at Palmer Marler Funeral Home in Cushing, Oklahoma.  Family will be present from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to greet friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 9, 2020 at Parkland Church of the Firstborn, Parkland, Ok.

Interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at Arlington Memorial Gardens in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.