Leon Taylor

Leon Taylor began his journey in life on September 23, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania born the second child of the late Alice Rebecca (Carter) Taylor and the late Willie James Taylor, Sr.

“Leon” as he was known to many grew up in Philly and at an early age he confessed Christ and joined Bethany Missionary Baptist Church.  He attended and graduated from West Philadelphia High School.  Leon entered the United States Marine Corps on January 31, 1964 serving during the Vietnam Era and was Honorably Discharged on January 30, 1968 but reenlisted in the reserves and served until January 30, 1970. He was awarded the Vietnamese Service Medal with two stars and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal along with the Good Conduct Medal.  He loved his family and his country.  He was truly a “Proud Veteran!”

Leon was also a 32nd degree Mason and Scottish Rite. He worked 36 years at General Motors and retired in 2005.  At the of age 12, he and his friends formed a quartet group. They called themselves the Conquistadors. Leon sang baritone and was the longest one to live of the group.   He also did Martial Arts and Boxing where he trained the Black Panthers out in Los Angeles.  He enjoyed life and lived it to its fullness.    

In January of 2018, Leon moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana to share and spend his final days with his family in Indiana.

Leon’s journey on this earthly life came to an end on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at 1:55 pm, but his legacy and unforgettable memories will live on and will forever be cherished.  He has entered eternal rest with his parents, and brother, Willie James Taylor, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his loving daughters, Pamela Fairfax, Adrienne Taylor, Karimah (Kevin) Weatherbe, Courtney (James) Oldham, and step daughters, Ashley Douglas and Jasmine Lockhart; step sons, Sheldon Douglas, Tyrone Douglas and Otis Winston; a sister, Margaret (Leroy) Douglass; brothers, George (Patricia) Taylor and Rudolph Taylor; cousins, Marie Bitante and Barbara Holmes; 15 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other cousins and friends.

Leon will be laid to rest in Eden Cemetery  -  Collingdale, Pennsylvania

Please send flowers and condolences to

Emmanuel Johnson Funeral Home, Inc.

6653-75 Chew Avenue - Philadelphia, PA 19119

(215) 438-6747

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