H. Taggart Obituary (1926 - 2013)

Gene H. Taggart, 87, of Des Moines, passed away Monday, November 25th at Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny. Services will be held Saturday at Arnold's Highland Park Funeral Home with visitation starting at 11:00 am. and funeral at 1:00pm. Burial with military honors will take place immediately following at Pine Hill Cemetery. Gene was born in Kellerton, Iowa, on November 23, 1926. He left high school at age 17 to join the United States Navy. He served in the South Pacific on U.S.S. Willard Keith during WWII. After returning from service, Gene was awarded his high school diploma from Kellerton High School. Shortly after, Gene moved to Ottumwa and worked at the John Morrell plant where he met Dorothy R. Lane. In December of 1948, the couple married and enjoyed 65 years together. The couple moved to Des Moines, and Gene worked at Firestone as a tire inspector for 35 years. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed country music and traveling. Gene spent many years volunteering for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and was actively involved with the Democratic Party. Gene is survived by his wife, Dorothy R. Taggart; sister, Marjorie Hoffman; daughter, Joan Powell; daughter, Janet (Gary) Walters; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and 2 special family members Sarah and Megan Bartholomew. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Margaret Taggart; two sons, "Buddy" Gene H. Taggart, Jr. and John E. Taggart; and sister, Alice Miller. Memorials can be made to Children's Cancer Connection at 1221 Center St., Ste. 12, Des Moines, IA 50309. Online condolences may be made at www.petersonfuneralservice.com