Ernest B. "Ernie" Taylor Obituary (1939 - 2023)

On March 30, 2023, at 3:22 am, Heaven opened its gates and welcomed the soul of Ernest Brown Taylor. Ernie was born on October 15, 1939, to Thomas DeWitt Taylor and Eva Brown Taylor Maharg in Dorseyville. He was the fifth of their six children. While a toddler, his family moved to Cooperstown. His father became ill when he was 6, and Ernie helped doing odd jobs from working at a hatchery (which would greatly influence his future endeavors), lawn care, laundry and being a pin setter at a Mars bowling alley. His father passed away when he was 12. He graduated from Mars High School, class of 1957. The military was not in his future as he had planned, instead he went to Robert Morris and achieved a degree in Accounting. After that he worked for various companies: International Staples in accounting; sales and estimating for Butler Lumber; Assistant Store Manager in charge of renovations for Troutmans; sales for Butler Floor; and lead estimator for Cunningham-Shanor. He was jack of all trades! But to many around the area, he was known as Ernie the Chicken King as he had the chicken bar-b-que stand for almost 40 years at various carnivals, fairs, and other festivals along with private catering. He was constantly being told how much people missed his chicken. During the down time from the bar-b-que, he rebuilt player pianos, worked maintenance, did construction, and drove tour bus. Just to name a few. He loved the arts. This was bred into him - his father had been a song and dance man in Vaudeville. Ernie could play so many different instruments including harmonica, saw and organ. He could sing and act - the dance, not so much. He could paint - not just a room, but on canvas. He was a writer. He sewed, he often made dresses for his daughters and a few tents for the bar-b-que along the way. He had a great sense of humor. This part that was born into him was passed along to his children, too, they all got a little: Amy is the writer, Beth is the singer, Holly always the comedian and Jenny the ventriloquist. He loved to entertain and for many years, as his children were growing, he helped them put on shows for many different organizations. Local theater found him in roles at Butler Little Theatre, Butler Musical Theatre Guild, and Easter Sunrise Services. He was the long time set designer and lead builder for the productions at Karns City High School. His daughter, Beth, developed the program and it became a family affair. The students honored him with a 25th year plaque. He even made a guest appearance as a statue in Music Man. The audience loved him! More recently, his passion was gardening and raising farm animals - chickens, ducks, geese, and goats. He loved his little dogs, Molly and Mini and his Siamese cat, Precious. But it was his special bond with Gertrude, a crested duck, that brought him international fame at the age of 80. There are several viral videos that have been viewed millions of times in many different countries. A Christian, he most recently has been a member of Graceway Community Church. He was instrumental in getting their new place of worship and played the organ for the pre-service every chance he could. He was a warrior - as his health turned, he fought! He loved his life and fought to the end. God called him home. On August 12, 1960, he married his sweetheart, Roberta (Bobbie) Taylor; she survives him. He also has 4 daughters: Amy (Patrick) Parker; Beth (Michael) Ackelson; Holly (Darrin) Mead; and Jenny (Zachary) Martin. Grandchildren: Andre Parker; Lyric (Zac) Sessa, Brendan and Trevor Ackleson; Cozette (Shane) Conrad, Stetson, Mackenzie, and Rosie Mead; (to be announced) Martin. Great-Grandson: Blain Conrad. Sister: Ann Parker. Number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Charles Maharg, his siblings Thomas (and wife Ruth), Harvey, David Taylor and Eva Jane Holfman (and husband Sam). Numerous extended family. A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 2, 2023, 12:00 p.m. (noon) to 8:00 p.m. at Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 East North Street, Butler, PA 16001. A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Graceway Community Church, 241 Freeport Road, Butler, PA 16002, with Pastor David L. West, officiating. Burial will take place at Summit Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Graceway Community Church, 241 Freeport Road, Butler, PA 16002.