Billy Dean "Bill" Taggart, 81, died Nov. 17, 2006, at his home, Hutchinson.

He was born Nov. 11, 1925, in Castleton, the son of Leroy and Effie Louise Wakefield Taggart. He retired from Morton Salt Co. as a forklift operator.

He belonged to First Christian Church, AARP Chapter 451, Delos V. Smith Senior Center, American Legion Lysle Rishel Post No. 68 and formerly belonged to the Ark Valley Good SAMS Camping Club, Loyal Order of the Moose No. 982 and the once UBU Sunflower Camping Club. He served in the U.S. Army Infantry, during World War II.

On Sept. 5, 1948, he married Dona Mae Wilson in Hutchinson. She survives.

Other survivors include: his children, Michael and Shirley, Hutchinson, Debbie and Myrle Hoffman, Hutchinson, and Judy and Daryl Pfeifer, Anthony; eight grandchildren, Melissa Hoffman, Travis Taggart, Kelly Polson, Brandon Taggart, Staci Hoffman, Angie Brawner, Serena Smith and Gina Brawner; seven great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Nadine Starner and Wanda Conrad both of Hutchinson.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Harold, Cliff, Glenn and Martin Taggart; five sisters, Grace McQueen, Gladys Ladd, Donna Hazell, Burnice Taggart and Arlene Taggart; and two grandchildren.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with the Rev. John Warring presiding. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lonestar Cemetery, Pretty Prairie, with military graveside rites conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.

Memorials may be sent to First Christian Church or to Hospice of Reno County, both in care of the funeral home.

Personal condolences may be sent to www.elliottmortuary.com