Norman H. Taylor

Hastings resident Norman H. Taylor, 91, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at CHI Health – Good Samaritan, Kearney, NE surrounded by his family.    

Memorial Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 14, at Butler Volland Chapel in Hastings with Pastor Kathy Uldrich officiating. Military rites by the Hastings Military Honor Guard will follow the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date. There will be no viewing or visitation. Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website. To view the service, go to Norman’s obituary and click the play button shown towards the bottom of the page.

Norm was born March 28, 1932, in Anoka, NE to Harold and Ferna (Sharpe) Taylor. His family moved to Hastings when he was two years old, his father had taken a job at the Hastings Naval Ammunition Depot. He attended Schools in Hastings.

Norm was in the United States Marine Corps from 1950-1953 stationed at Ocean Side, CA, and Base Camp Lejeune, NC.

He married Joan Brown on July 20, 1951, in Wilson, NC during his active duty. To this union there were four children Laura, Randy, Lisa, and Karen; they later divorced. He later married Beverly (Lyon) Gillaspie on April 29, 1972, in Hastings, NE; she preceded him in death.

Over the years Norm was a transport driver at different companies. He worked at Debus/Metz Bakery for 31 years as a mechanic, and transport driver, later becoming the Shop and Transportation Supervisor in Hastings and surrounding states. After he retired he enjoyed working for several years at Marv's Fireworks. 

Norm had a lifelong passion for his Harley-Davidsons, he was an avid rider. Norm and Bev toured many states, and he made 45 trips to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, SD on his Harley. He entered his Harley "Easy Lovin" in several of the Annual Sturgis Bike shows. He brought home many trophies, including Best Dressed Hog, which headlined the Sturgis Newpapers.

He took his children to Sturgis for many vacations the week before the rally making it a learning experience for them all. Norm never knew a stranger, he always set an example to help anyone down on their luck, especially out on the road.

Norm along with other motorcycle enthusiasts in the Hastings area formed an MC group called "Road Riders Motorcycle Club". They traveled together for many years and had motorcycle shows at the Hastings City Auditorium.

Over the years you either found him at work, or in his garage, working on his Harleys or various projects, and keeping all of his kids’ motorcycles and cars running, telling jokes or handing out advice.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Beverly; sister, Yvonne; brother-in-law, Jerry Needham; and son-in-law, Gary Kent.  

Left here to cherish all of the memories and adventures are:

Children:                                            
    Laura Kent - Hastings, NE
    Randy (Cindy) Taylor - Hastings, NE
    Lisa Saraceno (Keith Spangler) - Lincoln, NE
    Karen Krueger - York, NE 
Many special friends, including:       
    Renee and Kiera Deveny
    Christie Cramer 

Grandchildren:                                   
    Cleve
    Levi
    Jacob
    Travis
    Gary
    Bridgette
    Heather
    Hannah
    Zachary

Great-Grandchildren:                        
    Dylan
    Colten
    Leah
    Lillyan
    James
    Hendrix
    Bradley
    Emmett
    Kian
    Kierstan
    Isaiah
    Damien
    Porter
    Jayde
    Hudson
   Felipe
    Vayda
    Parker
    Alexis
    Riley
Great-Great-Grandchild:                   
    Sophia
Niece:                                                 
    Susan Needham Allison - Hastings, NE