Dear NAIFA Family,

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that NAIFA-Texas must inform you of the passing of Mr. Des Taylor.

This morning, August 27, 2013 at 8:23 a.m. at the Christopher House Hospice in Austin, Texas, he succumbed to the cancer, surrounded by his loved ones.

On July 30, 2013, Mr. Taylor prepared the following statement for his NAIFA-Texas family:

"In March of 2002, I stood before you for the first time as your CEO and CLO. I recall saying that I did not know for how long this journey would take me. However, I wanted to assure the members that at the end of that journey, however long it would be, my pledge was to leave you as a stronger, more effective, and more dynamic organization. I think that by nearly every standard of measurement we achieved that result. So I stand before you today announcing that my expectations have been met, and I hope that yours have as well.

Doug Massey and I were visiting a couple of months back and I reminded him of that commitment. He said, 'You know Des, I believe we have met that.'

"By nearly every standard of measurement, we are today a far more active, stronger, regulated, and competent organization. We have a better and stronger political committee and we have achieved milestones along the way. We are legendary.

"I thank you from the bottom of my heart for a wonderful experience, for the kindnesses that you have poured out of your heart, and for the personal support - all which you have done to make me feel comfortable, at ease, and at ease in my own skin.

"I think many of you in your own mind know what it is that we did together. And so I simply say to you, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless you and yours. I will always love you."

Des Taylor
July 30, 2013

The funeral service will be this Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore, Texas.  The family will receive friends at Rader Funeral Home Friday evening between 6 – 7:30 p.m. See obituary.

Please share your thoughts and memories of Des in the comments section on this page.