Gary Frank Taylor won Donna Gayle Newsom's heart with a guitar and a song. They were 17 when they met and 19 when they married. Gary, a songwriter and accomplished guitar player already, and Donna, a singer and his muse, made music together amidst raising a family and earning a living as public school teachers. Their love didn't end but only transformed when Donna passed away unexpectedly in September 2019, just 4 years shy of their 50th anniversary.

Even though their bond, here in the physical, ended too soon, check out all what they did: they raised 3 amazing daughters, taught hundreds of elementary (her) and high school and college (him) students, making a life-changing impact on so so many. (seriously you should read the praises and notes and letters and facebook posts about these two!) They have been a huge part of their 3 grandkids (and their grandpets'! :)) lives. Dad played in the bestest band for years and his bandmates are like extended family, their music and his and Mom's providing the most stellar soundtrack to our childhood lives.

Somehow they managed to record and release 3 CDs during all of this, and put on multiple amazing shows. Gary continues to honor Donna in significant ways, continuing the legacy in the recording studio and with social justice work that was important to them both.

If you're reading this and you know us, raise a glass on Fri 8/18/23 and put on a track from Endless Road. Choose "Mornings Coming" or "Tell Me Now" if you wanna hear songs they've literally been singing together for 50 years or "I Will Wait For You" for a highlight of our Sweet Mama's voice. (garyfranktaylor.com/music)

We love you both so much, Mom and Dad, thank you for making a marriage that lasted.

~Lacie, Lanie, Bonnie