Leon J. Taylor

Age 93 of Elmira, NY passed away on January 4, 2010. Born in Chemung, NY on October 17, 1916; Leon was the son of John and Clara (Forsyth) Taylor. He was raised in Ellistown, NY and graduated from Waverly High School. On November 27, 1943 he married Zula Grace Platt. They were blessed with 66 years of marriage. Leon was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Ruth Cameron, and brother, Ralph Taylor. He is survived by his devoted wife Zula Grace and their children, Margaret and William Forsberg of Minnesota, Judy and Alan Yates of Saratoga Springs, John and Lisa Taylor of Georgia, 9 grand children, 7 great grandchildren, 7 nieces and nephews and 1 cousin. For thirty-eight years Leon worked at New York State Electric and Gas Company in the UC&M Department. He was involved in apprentice training and retired as chief to the Electric Department. Leon worked part-time for 91/2 years at Olthof Funeral Home after he retired from NYSEG. Leon was a 71-year member of the Masons and is a past Master of Tioga Lodge 534. A lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, Leon worshipped at Centenary United Methodist Church and New Beginnings United Methodist Church. He was an active leader in many areas of service to the church. He loved the Lord and generously shared his time, talents and resources with his beloved family and friends. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira/Southport, NY on Friday, January 8th, 2010 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM. Funeral services will be held there Saturday, January 9th, 2010 at 11:00AM the Reverend Michael Weeden will officiate. Interment will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery, Jerusalem Hill Road, Elmira at the convenience of the family. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the New Beginnings United Methodist Church, 330 W. Church Street, Elmira, NY 14902, American Cancer Society, 1316 College Avenue, Elmira, NY 14901, American Diabetes Association, 356 North Milder Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13206 and Southern Tier Hospice and Palliative Care, 11751 East Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830. A "Candle of Remembrance" may be left for his family in obituaries at www. olthof.com A life tribute video celebrating Leon's life can be viewed atvideos.lifetributes.com/111097 Leave a loving legacy at Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. Masonic Lodge Notice:Brothers of the Tioga Masonic Lodge F. and A. M. # 534 are requested to attend a Masonic committal service for our brother and Past Master Mason Leon J. Taylor. 7:00PM Friday, January 8th, 2010 at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY.