Forrest Alan "Tate" Taylor

Forrest Alan Taylor, 68, passed away at 3:43 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Columbus Regional Hospital.

There will be a memorial service conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at the Memorial Baptist Church located at 2320 7th Street Columbus, IN 47201. Rev. Kendall Wildey will officiate. Cremation was chosen. Visitation will also be held at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the start of the service. Sawyer-Pickett Funeral and Cremation Service are entrusted with the arrangements.

Born on April 2, 1955, in Columbus, Alan was the oldest of seven children born to Gerald and Gloria (Pierce) Taylor.

Alan was a 1973 graduate from Jennings County High School where he was a proud member of the basketball team for 4 years. He was a starter for two years, including on the 1972 sectional winning team that averaged 93.2 points per game before a 3-point line was established, a state record to this day. He had a love for sports throughout his life, also playing softball for the Bombers sponsored by his dad’s business. He was an avid fan of Indiana University Basketball, the New York Yankees and Cleveland Browns. His favorite pastime was watching his sons play basketball and even coached them for several years in youth leagues.

He was also an expert trivia player, particularly with his impressive knowledge of Movies and History. He had a tender heart for animals, having taken in and rescued several pets in his later years. He was known to extend the same generosity to any friends of the family that were facing trying times.

In recent years he enjoyed watching his son Drew umpire professionally on TV and talking to him after every game. He was very proud of his son Derek when he graduated from Indiana University Business School. Most of all, he adored spending time with his grandchildren, sharing in the joys of being a father with his son Devin.

Alan is survived by sons, Derek A., Devin A., and Drew A. Taylor all of Greensburg; brother, Chris (Karen) Taylor of Brownstown; sisters, Judy (Glenn) Taylor Heath of North Vernon, Liz (Paul) Eder of Columbus, and Teresa (Randy) Von Hoene of Seymour; grandchildren, Ayla, and Ashlyn Taylor beloved aunt and uncle, Kay (Ken) Miller.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Gloria Taylor; brothers, Robert and Tony Taylor.

Memorials can be made through the funeral home for expenses.

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