Ret. U.S. Army LTC Lucius Agustus Taylor IV

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024 we lost Lucius Agustus Taylor, IV who was better known simply as Gus. That short name might have been the only simple thing about this man who had more facets than any jewel he ever set – and that’s saying something as Gus was a jeweler and gemologist. He was also, among other things: a scholar warrior who craved and worked for peace; treasure hunter and adventurer; mystic and scientist; thinker, maker, doer; father, husband, brother, and friend.

Gus was born in Rhinelander, Wisconsin on October 15, 1954 to Lucius Agustus Taylor, III and Mary Ann “Betty” (Kelly) Taylor. It was in Wisconsin that Gus began hunting and fishing – pastimes he would pursue the rest of his days and share with his children, grandchildren, and many friends. In 1976, he graduated from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology summa cum laude with a degree in mechanical engineering and a minor in psychology.

After college, Gus joined the US Army. During his active-duty career, he had command, combat, and staff experience in Infantry, Ranger Infantry, and Special Forces units. While rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he earned multiple military awards and decorations for service, achievement, and valor in combat, as well as the Legion of Merit upon his retirement in 1995.

Retirement didn’t really suit Gus. For more than 20 years at NSWC Crane as a chief engineer, Gus helped develop weapons systems for the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. In this time, he served in Afghanistan, Europe, Africa, and other deployed locations.

Truly, Gus had two families: his brothers and sisters in arms and the children, grandchildren and wife he so frequently left at home. As is often the case, the latter suffered his absence so that he could serve the former.

When he was home, he delighted in cooking for family and friends. He was a man who would never build a taller fence when he could build a bigger table. All were welcome and all were valued. Maybe it goes back to that minor in psychology, because Gus was fascinated by the world and all of the people in it.

Gus is survived by his wife, Bonnie Burton Taylor, and his children and grandchildren: Luke and Julie, with their daughters Emily and Olivia; Peter and Jen, with their children Tallulah, Waverly, and Gus; Jackie and Ryan, with their children Kit and Clementine; Wade and Breea, with their daughter Nova; and David and Taylor, with their son Sylus; along with stepsons Aaron Jiminez, and son Jacob and Erik Jiminez. He is also survived by his siblings: Paul Taylor and his wife Julie, Riley Taylor and his wife Brenda, Becky Schwartz and her husband Scott, and Shawn Taylor and his wife Carol.

A Funeral Ceremony will be held on Friday, June 21st, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Brosmer-Kemple Funeral Home with burial to follow in Ames Chapel Cemetery with full Military Honors.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, June 21st, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Special Operations Wounded Warriors, P.O. Box 381, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.