Charles Taylor

Charles Andre Taylor was born July 21, 1955, to Reginald Taylor and Yvoncil Byrd-Taylor-Mitchum. Charles was the only child of this union. Charles departed this life December 11, 2017. He was preceded in death by, his father, Reginald C. Taylor. Charles was educated in the Kansas City School District, attending Booker T. Washington Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High, and Lincoln Sr. High Schools. In his Junior year, he attended the new Vo-Tech Center and studied Architectural Drafting. In a city-wide competition, he was awarded first place and the grand prize for his design. From this achievement, he was hired as a Draftsman for the Land Clearance Redevelopment Authority of Kansas City and worked there until his graduation from Lincoln High in 1973. In August of 1973, Charles attended the University of Kansas, where he majored in Architectural and Urban Design for two and a half years. After returning to Kansas City, he united with his childhood church home, St. Stephens Baptist Church, where he taught the Young Adult Sunday School Class. In 1978, he was licensed to preach the Gospel and in 1982, he was ordained as a Minister by the late, John W. Williams. In 1984, Charles married Martina Criswell and to this union there were no children. In October of 1976, Charles was employed by the City of Kansas City, where he worked for over thirty years before retiring in June of 2007. While with the city, he worked on many major projects including, the Kemper Arena Expansion, the Liberty Memorial Renovation, Bartle Hall Project and more. In March of 2002, he was admitted to the Associate Status of the American Institute of Architects. Charles Masonic career started in December 1985, where he was raised to Sublime Degree of a Master Mason in Amos Johnson Lodge. He was elected to Master of the Lodge in December 1991 and served two years as Master from 1992 and 1993. Charles was very active in the Order. In 1995, he was elected Building Manager of the Masonic temple and served for ten years. In 2003, he was voted Master Mason of the year. In 1993, he also became a member of the African Lodge #459 F&AM in Boston, Massachusetts. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason and had served as Thrice Potent Master, Lodge of Perfection and in the Kansas City Consistory #7. Other Masonic activities included being a member of the Phylaxis Society for over twenty-five years. He served the Society as it?s Curator, President of the Council of Representatives, Founding President of the Lawrence A. Jones, Sr. Chapter and First Vice President. In 1997, at the Annual Session in Ontario, California, he was awarded the highest award the Society offered, ?The John G. Lewis Medal of Excellence?. Charles was involved in numerous Civic Organizations, most notable he had been President of the ?Friends of Reggae International?, where he served in office for over eight years and brought Reggae music to the Mid-West. In addition to Mr. Taylor?s accomplishments during his long tenure with the city was the 4900 Swope Parkway complete remodeling. He was responsible for the design of the 19th floor of City Hall and the City Engineer?s Office. He also provided Construction Management Service for the Martin Luther King Hospital renovation and the parking lot. A glance around the city reveals Charles Taylor?s work is everywhere, and this work stands as a testament to his dedication to the City and his strong and capable work ethic. Charles A. Taylor leaves to cherish his memories, his mother, Yvoncil Mitchum; best friend Keith Darby; special friend Gail Burt; and a host of friends that will miss him. Funeral Service for Charles A. Taylor will be held Friday, December 22, 11:00 a.m. at the Watkins Heritage Chapel, 4000 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Watkins Heritage Chapel. Interment, Forest Hill Cemetery.

Charles Taylor

July 21, 1955 - December 11, 2017