1935-2021
Malcolm “Joe” Taft was born November 11, 1935, to Joseph Barnes Taff Taft and Anna (Gladowski) Taft in Milwaukee, WI and entered eternal life on November 14, 2021 at the age of 86 and 3 days. Joe was a casualty of COVID.
Mr. Taft is survived by Debra (nee’ Spatt) Taft of CO, sons Duane (Terri) Taft of TX, Malcolm Taft Jr. of CO, sister Kathy Young of WI, grandsons Mark (Melissa) Taft and Evan Taft both of CO, great grandson Otto (Mark and Melissa) Taft, and nieces and nephews.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Mae (Snell- Spatt) Taft, son Donald Taft, brother Raymond Taft.
Mr. Taft served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. Sgt. Taft was attached to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing MAG 12 VMA251 and Special Weapons Detached Unit in Japan.
Mr. Taft received his electronics engineering degree from Fox Valley Technical College in Oshkosh, WI. He accomplished this as a full-time student and a full-time employee at Rockwell-Standard Corporation. Joe built a respected successful career in the medical field with Siemens Corporation which took him to many parts of the U.S. and Europe.
Joe was an aviator and sailor. He built numerous airplanes and other flying machines, an inboard motorboat as well as a 21-foot sailboat sloop, and several homes. He could design, build, and fix almost anything. Although Joe disliked yard work he stayed physically and mentally active. He knew when to rest from his labors but come the new day he was right back at it. No making an impression in the rocking chair seat.
Mr. Taft overcame cancer and other serious health challenges, yet it was СOVID that took him from us. Joe was a good man, fought the good fight and is sorely missed.
A Memorial Service with military honors will be held at Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO at 2 p.m. on December 16, 2021, Rev. with Debra Taft officiating.
Do not stand at my grave and weep but look for me… In the thousand winds that blow… In the diamond glints on the snow… In the sunlight on the ripened grain… In the light spring rain… In the morning sun shone bright… In the twinkling stars at night… In the prayers that you impart… In the memories within your heart.