Jul 17, 2013

Army retiree served in Korea, three tours in Vietnam

Donald Taufer, 81, of Fayetteville, N.C., died Monday, July 15, 2013, in Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, following a lengthy illness.

He was born August 30, 1931, in Canonsburg, a son of Louis and Julia Ann Turco Taufer.

Mr. Taufer was a graduate of Chartiers High School.

He retired in 1986 from the U.S. Army as a master sergeant. He had more than 25 years of service that included the Korean War and three tours of duty in Vietnam. He was a member of the Army Rangers and Golden Knight Army Parachute Team.

Mr. Taufer enjoyed working in the yard. He loved animals, socializing and spending time with his family.

Surviving are a daughter, Donna T. Parker and her mother, Audrey Taufer, both of Fayetteville; three brothers, Thomas Taufer of California and Kenneth Taufer (Alice) and Gerald Taufer, both of Florida; a sister, Carole Sandy of West Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are his twin brother, Ronald Taufer, who passed away June 26, 2013; a sister, Deanne Waite; and a brother-in-law, Ron Sandy.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the time of service, Saturday, July 20, in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342. Interment will follow in Oak Spring Cemetery, Chartiers Township. Full military rites will be accorded by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 of Canonsburg and American Legion Post 902 of Houston combined honor guard. Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.