Elmer Taylor, 84, of Arcadia, formerly of Sarasota, died on November 12, 2013. Elmer was the son of Ivy and Georgia Taylor of Sarasota. He graduated from SHS in 1948 and served until retirement as Battalion Captain of the Sarasota City Fire Department. He re-entered fire service in DeSoto County and served as Fire Chief until 2004. To his family, Elmer was their special example of faith, friendship, and fatherhood.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Shirley; four children, Jimmy Peters (Kathy), Debi Gilmore (Donnie), Cathleen Roberts (Richard), and Teresa Stone; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and counting; two sisters, Helen Jane Pridgen in Gainesville, FL and Ivalene Spivey in Ft. Worth, TX. He was preceded in death by his brother, Willis; and was also loved by nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 17th. Friends and family will be welcomed at the Taylor home after the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to All Children's Hospital or Ronald McDonald House.