Kenneth Allen Taylor

LOS ALTOS, CALIF. — Kenneth Allen Taylor was born Nov. 4, 1954, to his loving parents, Seretha and Samuel Taylor, and passed away Monday, Dec. 2, 2019.It was obvious from a very young age that Kenneth had a thirst for knowledge because he excelled in school from his first day in kindergarten all the way through earning his PhD from the University of Chicago.He graduated from Sandusky High School in 1973 with honors and he also earned a letter for his achievements as a member of the wrestling team. He also played in the band and sang in the choir. He earned his A.B from the University of Notre Dame in 1977 and his PhD from the University of Chicago in 1984.Kenneth was selected as a foreign exchange student in high school and had the opportunity to spend the year studying in Brazil. This was the beginning of his international travel, and later in life he would travel throughout the world as a sought-after lecturer and noted philosopher. Kenneth was also the co-founder of "Philosophy Talk" a popular radio show that aired on over 100 public radio stations. He was the author of four books and numerous articles which appeared in professional journals.He worked that the Ford Motor Co. to help pay his way through college; once he obtained his PhD Kenneth taught at Rutgers University, University of Maryland, University of North Carolina, Wesleyan University, and Stanford University where he was the chairman of the Philosophy Department for eight years. At the time of his death Dr. Taylor had been employed by Stanford University for 24 years and was loved and widely respected throughout the Stanford community.Kenneth was also a very compassionate and loving human being who loved his family dearly. He often spoke about his enduring love and appreciation for his mother and father. However, the love of his life was his darling wife Claire, whom he met while a PhD candidate at the University of Chicago, and his son Kiyoshi.Kenneth is survived by his loving wife, Claire; his son, Kiyoshi; mother and father, Seretha and Samuel Taylor; sister, Diane Taylor; brother, Daniel Taylor; his favorite aunts and uncles, Vera Moore, Herman Moore, Donald Warfield and Dale Warfield; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Wesley Taylor; nephew, Christopher Lamont Taylor; uncles, Clarence Jerry Warfield, Willie James Taylor; and aunts, Deloris Warfield and Mary Warfield.A memorial/Celebration of a life well lived, will be 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, at Ebenezer Baptist Church Fellowship hall, 1215 Pierce St., Sandusky.