Taylor, Melvin Wayne, Sr.
(born: February 24, 1914 - died: March 1, 1997)Melvin W. Taylor, Sr. was the director of West Kentucky State Vocational Technical School [now West Kentucky Community and Technical College] in Paducah, KY, from 1972-1985. He had been employed at Hampton Institute, and had married Sara Cornelia Boone at Hampton in 1939.
Melvin W. Taylor, Sr. was a member of a host of organizations, including the National U.S. Olympic Club. He had been an outstanding athlete in high school and college, lettering in basketball, baseball, football, track, and tennis; he also played one year of semi-pro football. He was the father of Springfield, IL, painter E. Vern Taylor.
The Taylor family came to Paducah in 1954 and Melvin W. Taylor, Sr. was the co-coordinator of West Kentucky State Vocational Technical School prior to becoming the director.
Melvin W. Taylor, Sr. was born in Canton, IL, the son of Vern E. and Emma J. Kirk Taylor. Their son Melvin, Sr. died in Paducah, KY. He is buried in Brooks Memorial Park.
For more see "Marriage licenses," Daily Press (Newport News, VA), 08/20/1939, p.6D; Profiles of Contemporary Black Achievers of Kentucky, by J. B. Horton; and T. Brown, "Artists share their journeys," State Journal Register, 6/21/2007.