Leonard L. Taylor

Leonard L. Taylor, 76, of Amarillo, TX, passed away December 29, 2024. 

Visitation will be from 6:00-7:30 PM, Friday, January 3, 2025, at Boxwell Brothers, 2800 Paramount. The memorial service will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel. 

Leonard was born February 20, 1948, in El Dorado, KS to Wiley and Rhoda Taylor. As a young boy the family moved to Perryton, TX where he ultimately graduated as a Perryton High School Ranger in 1966. Leonard left Perryton for Lubbock, TX where he attended Texas Tech University as a member of the ROTC program. After studying Physics and Mathematics, Leonard graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1971 and was immediately commissioned into the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. 

Leonard married the one and only love of his life, Alisa Diane Sisk of Amarillo, TX on February 20, 1972 (yes, Leonard got married on his birthday to “keep it simple!”). Leonard and Lisa’s 45-year life together started at Fort Benning in Columbus, GA before transferring to Fort Hood in Killeen, TX where they began growing their family. 

Following his service in the Army, Leonard followed the three previous generations of Taylor men into the oil patch, finally settling in Amarillo, TX in 1980. Working for over fifty years as a petroleum engineer, Leonard distinguished himself as one of the legends of Texas Panhandle oil fields working for Mesa Petroleum and JM Huber Corporation. Leonard’s vast knowledge in the Panhandle oilfields led to his twilight career consulting small operators in all facets of their business including his final and immensely fulfilling role working with his friends of A2R Resources. 

After raising four kids together, Lisa and Leonard embarked on their most cherished role as Grams and Grumps. Their eight grandkids and brand-new great-grandson brought them great joy as they imparted their wisdom, commitment to education, and importance of family on the next generation. After Lisa’s unexpected passing in 2017, Leonard remained committed to the whole family and community around him helping anyone who asked, and many who didn’t. If he could leave us with one last piece of wisdom he would tell us, “You have everything you need to help someone… do it!” 

He is preceded in death by his parents Wiley and Rhoda Taylor, parents-in-law Dewey and Viola Sisk, and his beloved wife Lisa Taylor, all of Amarillo, TX. 

Leonard is survived by his four sisters Brenda Garrison, Linda Coleman (Erwin), Ellen Jones (George), and Eloise Pacheco, all of Amarillo, his four children DeDe Taylor of Amarillo, Lance Taylor (Dawn) of Frisco, TX, Andy Taylor of Amarillo, and Matt Taylor of Lubbock, TX, five grandsons, three granddaughters, one great-grandson, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and countless friends and neighbors; all of which brought Leonard immense joy and fulfillment. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the High Plains Food Bank located at 815 S. Ross, Amarillo, TX 79102 or to anyone you see in need.