Thomas Edward Taylor

South Bend - Thomas E. Taylor, 96, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Monday, October 18, 2021 at 2:36 AM. Thomas was born to Willie Carroll and Julia Taylor on November 4, 1924 in South Bend, IN. Thomas grew up on the west side of town and graduated from Central High School. He played basketball under Coach John Wooden, who later became coach of the UCLA Bruins in Westwood, CA. He served in the US Navy. Thomas met the love of his life, Mamie Frances Howell, and they were married in San Diego, CA while Thomas was serving in the Navy. Their union lasted for an amazing 75 years, definitely something worth celebrating. From their union, they had five children: William Thomas (Tommie) (Bernadette) of South Bend, IN, Jacqueline (Cash) of California, Leslie of Caledonia, MI, Toni (Terry) of Grand Rapids, MI and Sherry, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Willie Carroll and Julia; brothers, Douglas (Doug) and Lafayette (Fate) Taylor.

Thomas worked for Studebaker and owned his own television repair shop for many years. He was employed by AM General from 1964 – 1990 as an assembler for 26 years.

Thomas also served as a union rep for UAW Local #5. While in the union, Thomas was a Recording Secretary, Committee person, Chairman, and then ultimately became Union President. As a retiree, he was elected once again as President.

In the state of Indiana, Thomas served under Governor Evan Bayh and Frank O'Bannon 1990-2001, as a member of Ivy Tech Vocational Technical College Region II. Thomas was Chairman of Ivy Tech North Central State Board of Trustees. He was first appointed to the State Board in 1989.

Thomas received an Honorary Degree of Associate of Science in College and Community Service May of 2001 from Ivy Tech.

Thomas was a member of First AME Zion Church for over 50 years, and a member of St. Peter's Lodge #31 Free and Accepted Masons Prince Hall Affiliation and a 32 Degree Mason. He also held a membership in Mahomet Member #134 of Shriners of East Chicago, IN, a member of NAACP and the Urban League. He was an Alumnus of the South Bend Driftwoods, while his wife Mamie was a loyal member of the South Bend Indiana Drifters for over 55 years. Lastly, Thomas was a member of Par Putters, which was a local black golfers association in South Bend.

Thomas leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Mamie; four children; twelve grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.

Services will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2021 12:00 PM at Palmer Funeral Homes - West Chapel, 2702 Lincoln Way West, South Bend, IN 46628. Friends may call on the family for visitation for one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Entombment with military honors to follow at Highland Cemetery. Online expressions of sympathy may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Posted online on October 23, 2021

10/23/2021  EJS