Roland Taylor Sr. 1937-2025
CHAMPION — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Roland “Butch” Taylor Sr., a longtime resident of Champion Township who died peacefully in his sleep Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Plymouth, Michigan, at the age of 88.
Butch was born in Warren on Aug. 14, 1937, to parents Harry and Melva Taylor. He was a graduate of Champion High School, where he lettered in varsity baseball and basketball. He attended The Ohio State University in 1956 and subsequently entered the apprenticeship program with the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 225. He graduated as a journeyman steamfitter / welder in 1961. Butch’s 41-year career included working on large projects in the nuclear, steel and auto industries. He also worked with local contractors, including Antenucci Mechanical. Butch was a member in good standing for 68 years with UA Local 396, Boardman.
He was a beloved and devoted husband of 65 years to the late Nancy Dorsey Taylor; a loving father of three children, Roland “Butch” (Mary Lou) Taylor Jr. of Vermilion, Diane (Jin) Teh of Yorktown, Virginia, and Vonnie (Mark) Jeffers of Plymouth, Michigan; a proud grandfather of seven grandchildren, Sara (Mike) Jensen, Mitchell Teh, Christopher Jeffers, Taylor (Courtney) Jeffers, Madeline (Tim) McHugh, Johnathan Taylor and Harrison Robert Taylor; and a great-grandfather of Alice and James Jensen, Isla Jeffers and Matilda McHugh.
Butch gave back generously to the community. He was an instructor in the Plumbers and Pipefitters apprenticeship program, teaching welding and the first-year program. He coached Champion boys Hot Stove baseball and girls softball programs. Butch and his good friend, Bud Vargo, started the junior high intramural basketball program, which is still active today. He was a deacon at Champion Presbyterian Church and worked with Charlie Stingel to start the church community basketball program. After his baseball career, he took up golf and carried a single-digit handicap. He made three holes-in-one. He played in local and state tournaments and participated in local golf leagues. Butch also played in the community’s Senior Olympics.
Butch was a lifelong fan of the Cleveland Browns, Guardians / Indians and Cavaliers, always enjoying the games with his family.
He will be profoundly missed by those who knew him.
A celebration of life will be announced this spring.
(special notice)