Rev. Warren Francis Taylor Jr., of Porterville, Calif., passed away peacefully on March 10, 2018, at age 75. Warren was born on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1942 in Chester, Penn. He served as the minister at the First Congregational Church of Porterville from 1990-2008, retiring after a 40-year career in the ministry. 

Warren, a life-long learner and thinker, received his PhD from the School Of Theology in Claremont, Calif. and his Master of Divinity from Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Penn. His bachelor of arts was from the University of Richmond.

Taylor was a long-time resident of Smithfield, and his father, the Rev. Warren F. Taylor, served as pastor at Smithfield Baptist Church for many years.

Warren is survived by his wife of 31 years, Cheri Taylor, as well as daughters, April Charlene Taylor, Amy Noelle Byers; son, Brock Alan Byers; son in law, Brian James Pratt; and grandchildren, Trenton James Byers Pratt, and Lily Rose Byers; and sister, Annette Taylor Harrell of Orlando, Fla. Warren was a founding board member of Porterville Family Health Care Network, serving on the board for twenty years. He was on the founding board of Valley Adult Day Services. Warren created a partnership between the Porterville Area Ministerial Association and the Porterville Police Chaplain’s Program to get ministers involved in ride-alongs. He helped create the Sierra View Hospital Chaplain Program. He served as a member of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Warren guided the Boy Scouts of America Troop 132 with their God and County awards. Warren, through his love of music helped create Porterville’s Friends of Music Committee.

Warren enjoyed working on computers and learning about trends in technology. He is a published author. As a professional singer and performing artist he entertained audiences throughout the Valley often performing with his wife, Cheri. At the age of 60 he accomplished a long-term goal of becoming a small aircraft pilot by earning his pilot’s license. Through much of his life he was an avid runner, and a martial arts practitioner, receiving advanced belts in both Karate and Tae Kwon Do. Warren was a voracious reader who especially appreciated science fiction. His love of nature is shared by his family who together spent time camping, hiking, exploring and enjoying the beauty of the world.