Dean Andrew Taylor

On June 5, 2026, Dean A. Taylor, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away at his home, surrounded by his wife and children at the age of 63. He was born in February of 1963 in Minnesota and was the son of Lloyd and Beverly Taylor. He grew up in Iola, Kansas where he attended and graduated from Iola Public Schools in 1981. He later attended Emporia State University where he earned a BS degree in physical education.

Dean’s life was defined by the deep relationships he built with family, friends, and community. He was a devoted friend, cultivating lifelong and meaningful bonds from his youth, during his college years, and throughout his career. The true magnitude of those connections became profoundly evident during his last days, as a steady circle of friends and family gathered to offer comfort, share stories, and return the immense love Dean had shown them over the years.

Dean was an avid sports fan his whole life. He played football, basketball, and baseball growing up and later coached many teams at the high school level. Growing up, he was a fierce competitor and developed an undeniable passion for the game of football. At ESU, he played football at wide receiver under Coach Kramer and later served as a graduate assistant for the Hornet football team.

For the next 35 years, Dean taught physical education and weight training classes at the high school level while coaching football, basketball, and baseball. His role as teacher and coach at Andover Central High School from 2007, until he retired in 2025, was the highlight of his career. He was known as the “old school” coach by many of his players and students. Although he was tough with a no-nonsense attitude, he truly cared for his students and players, always pushing them to do their best in the classroom and on the field. He developed many friendships through teaching and coaching and had the opportunity to work with some outstanding student athletes and coaches.

Dean married Kelly O’Mara in 1997 in Emporia, Kansas, and he brought two children to the marriage. Together, they have four children, Zachary, Courtney, Cole and Jacob. Dean’s greatest joy in life was having his children and watching them grow into successful adults. Over the years, he continued to be extremely proud of their athletic and scholarly pursuits and achievements. Some of his favorite memories were traveling to baseball and basketball tournaments in the summer, coaching and watching his kids on various traveling and school teams, and going on family vacations. Most recently, he has relished his role as grandpa to his four grandsons and one granddaughter.

He is survived by his wife, Kelly, of the home; four children, Zachary Taylor, Courtney (Tim) Walker, Cole Taylor, and Jacob Taylor; five grandchildren, Reed Taylor, Luke Walker, Samuel Walker, James Walker, and Annie Walker; mother-in-law, Lynda O’Mara; three brothers, Doug Taylor, Terry (Carol) Taylor, David (Penny)Taylor, one sister, Sara Taylor (Jerry); and many other extended family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Beverly Taylor.

Services for Dean will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Andover, Kansas. The vigil will be June 11th at 6:30 pm, and the funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on June 12th. The mass will be followed by a luncheon in the church. The inurnment will be in Emporia, Kansas on Friday, June 12th at 4:00.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Interim Healthcare Hospice for their compassionate care.

Memorials

Andover Central High School Athletic Department
603 E. Central Ave., Andover, KS 67002

Interim Healthcare of Topeka Hospice
1251 SW Arrowhead Rd, Suite 103
Topeka, KS 66604