Dr. Stephen K. Taylor, who retired in 2009 after 24 years as a member of the college’s chemistry faculty, died on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019. He was 74.
He conducted research in organic chemistry collaboratively with dozens of Hope students during his time at the college. He received multiple external grants through the years in support of his research, and was one of only eight college or university faculty nationwide to receive a 1995-96 Camille and Henry Dreyfus Scholar/Fellow Award for Undergraduate Institutions, which provided the opportunity to mentor a post-doctoral fellow at Hope for two years. His activity in retirement included writing the book “Publish and Flourish,” published by the college in 2012, which explores the qualities that enable faculty at primarily undergraduate institutions to succeed as researchers in addition to teaching.
He was born in Los Angeles, California, on March 28, 1944, the son of Jolly and Inez Taylor. He graduated from Eagle Rock High School in Los Angeles in 1962 and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1962 to 1964, during which he was stationed in the Philippines.
He married Nancy Carol Thompson on Aug. 22, 1969, following their graduation from Pasadena College (now Point Loma Nazarene University). They moved to Nevada, where he earned his doctorate in organic chemistry at the University of Nevada, Reno. He worked as a research chemist at DuPont in Wilmington, Delaware, for four years, and subsequently taught organic chemistry at Olivet Nazarene College from 1978 until joining the Hope faculty in 1985. He attended Central Wesleyan and Park Christian Reformed Church in Holland.
He was preceded in death by Nancy in 2013 and by a sister, Barbara Kellogg, in 2017. Survivors include his children, Daniel (Jennifer) Taylor of Zeeland and Melissa Taylor of Holland; a grandson, Drew, and granddaughter, Brynn; a sister, La Donna Taylor of California; a brother, J. Roland Taylor of Quebec, Canada; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, and condolences may be left online at langelandsterenberg.com. Visitation will be on Friday, Jan. 25, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Park Christian Reformed Church, located at 1496 W. 32nd St. in Holland. The funeral service will be on Saturday, Jan. 26, at 10 a.m., also at the church, and burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in his name can be sent to The Navigators, PO Box 6079; Albert Lea, MN 56007-6679