Richard L. Taylor, former missionary to Congo

Global Ministries is saddened to announce the passing of Richard L. Taylor, former missionary to Congo.

February 19, 1930 – January 24, 2012

Global Ministries was saddened to learn of the death of Reverend Richard L. Taylor of Glen Allen, Virginia, formerly of Arlington, Virginia, who died January 24, 2012.  Reverend Taylor was Regional Minister for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Capital Area, and also a former missionary to the Democratic Republic of the Congo along with his wife Virginia M. Taylor.

Richard Taylor was born February 19, 1930, in Topeka, Kansas. He received his B.A. and B.D. degrees from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma.  Richard was ordained a minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1950.  He also studied at the Kennedy School of Missions in Hartford, Connecticut; Oklahoma A & M College at Stillwater; and the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.  He received his M.A. from Colorado State College, Greeley, Colorado, in 1962. 

He and his wife, Virginia, served as missionaries for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in what today is the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1957 to 1966.  He retired as Regional Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Capital Area.  He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Virginia M. Taylor; and children, Linda Million, Debbi Royal, David Taylor, and Mark Taylor; seven grandchildren, Zach, Lauren, Madison, Grayson, Camden, Ashton and Chase.

A memorial service and reception was held Friday, January 27, at 5 p.m. at Gayton Road Christian Church, 12050 Ridgefield Parkway, Richmond, Virginia.  The family requests that donations be made to Global Ministries, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN  46206.  Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Virginia Taylor, 11900 Belmont Park Court, Glen Allen, VA   23059-8500.