Barbara Linn Taylor

Together in death as they were in life. Barbara Linn (Sears) Taylor passed away on August 28th, and Elmer "Lee" Taylor passed away on September 3rd. Both were surrounded by their loving family at the time of their passing. In 1965, Barbara and Elmer were married, and together they built a life near Redtop, south of Buffalo, where they raised their family and farmed for several years. Barbara was born in Kansas City in 1941 and grew up in Joplin. She will be remembered as a caring, kind, intelligent—and yes, stubborn—woman with the most wonderful, infectious laugh. She loved playing cards, cheering on her football teams, and, most of all, spending time with her family. Elmer was born in 1937 in Redtop, where he also grew up. He will be remembered as witty, sharp as a tack, hard-working, sweet, and loving. His kindness and gentleness made him a true “baby whisperer,” and he had a special way with children. He loved spending time with his family, tending his strawberries, and perfecting his technique for barbecuing ribs. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Myra and Ruth Sears, as well as her four sisters: Myra Jane, Patricia, Julia, and Nancy. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Jewel Taylor, and his siblings: Betty, Vivian, Beverly, Sharrell, and Thomas. They are survived by their five children: Marty; Jodie; Shelly and her husband, Craig; Mark and his wife, Stacy; and Nicki and her husband, Frank. Their grandchildren—Matthew, Sammi, Daren, Evan, Madeline, Darwin, Jacob, Alex, and Sarah—were each close to their hearts. Their great-grandchildren—Charlotte, Amelia, Ollie, Genavieve, and Murphy—brought them smiles and laughter right up until their final days. Elmer is also survived by his siblings: Dwight, Richard, Brent, and Tracy. We take comfort in knowing they are together. Heaven is lucky to have you both. Celebration of life will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, with visitation from 10 am - 11 am, with formal service beginning at 11 am at the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo, Missouri. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo, Missouri.

Barbara Linn Taylor

January 13, 1941 - August 28, 2025