William Donald Taylor, 84, of Ocean View, Delaware, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Don was born on November 30, 1941, in Bay, Missouri, the son of William Fred Taylor and Elberta (Green) Taylor Mueller, both deceased. He was married on January 18, 1964, in Richmond, Virginia to Anita (Saxton) who survives at home in Bear Trap Dunes in Ocean View, Delaware.

Don grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri and as a child enjoyed spending summers with his grandparents, Jo Ella and Bert Green, in Edgar Springs, and playing baseball. He graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1960 and completed various advanced education courses during his career.

Enlisting in the United States Navy in 1960, Don completed basic training and Cryptologic Technician (CT) school in San Diego, California, and during his 26-year Navy career was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia; Naples, Italy; The Pentagon, Washington, DC; Fort Ritchie, Maryland; San Miguel, Philippines; Kunia and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Norfolk, Virginia (again), living in Virginia Beach; London, England, living on RAF Hendon; Rolla, Missouri; and Fort Meade, Maryland.

After retiring from the US Navy as a chief petty officer (CPO, E-7), Don continued to work for the government at The National Security Agency (NSA), then with Eagle Alliance until his retirement in 2007. After moving permanently to Ocean View, Don enjoyed playing golf, bike riding, exploring the area, walking the boardwalk at Bethany Beach, spending time with family and friends, and watching sports, especially the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Commanders.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his sister Yvonne and her husband Bill Dallmeyer, and his brother-in-law Ronald Cianciulli.

Don is survived by his wife of 62 years, Anita Taylor, and their children, Crystal of Baltimore, Maryland; William Lance of Key West, Florida; and Ian and his wife Jennifer Squillario of Victor, Idaho.

He is also survived by nieces and nephews Maggie Hopper and her husband Charlie, and Jane of Greensboro, North Carolina; Bill Dallmeyer and his wife Brenda, Hannah and her husband Justin Prenger, Hailey, and Jude of Jefferson City, Missouri; Tanya Dallmeyer; his sister-in-law Beverly Cianciulli and nieces and nephews, Deborah, Susan and her husband Dean McDougall, Aimee and her husband David Scotto, and Ronnie all of Long Island, New York.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society or Beebe Medical Foundation. In honor of Don’s wishes, there will not be a funeral service; a remembrance may be held in the future with family and friends.