Casey Calder Taylor

Casey Calder Taylor

June 18, 1952 — May 9, 2026

Casey Calder Taylor entered this world on June 18, 1952, a son of New Orleans through and through. He loved telling people he was “born, bred, and fried in New Orleans,” a phrase that captured both his wit and the city that flavored his soul. From boyhood, he was drawn to the warmth of the kitchen, where he learned the sacred art of Southern cooking — stirring pots of gumbo, perfecting jambalaya, roasting chicken to golden perfection, and whipping creamy mashed potatoes that brought comfort to every table. Food was never merely food to Casey; it was love made visible, hospitality offered freely, and joy meant to be shared.

As a young man, Casey spent nine months in Ecuador, helping his father prepare meals for oil field workers. The experience deepened both his culinary skill and his appreciation for the way food could nourish weary bodies and gather people together far from home. Upon returning to New Orleans, he worked in local restaurants, sharpening his gifts in busy kitchens filled with heat, laughter, and hard work. His talent and leadership eventually led TGIF to hire him to open and manage restaurants in several states. Yet among all his culinary adventures, one of Casey’s favorite chapters was his time with Pascal’s Catering Company in Austin, where his love for feeding people found a perfect home. In retirement, Casey brought that same warmth, dependability, and gentle spirit to his work as an On Call Branch Office Administrator with Edward Jones.

Casey and Nancy first met at Kerbey Lane Cafe, where a shared meal became the beginning of a shared life. They married on May 5, 1996, and together built a life rooted in faith, laughter, hospitality, and love. Casey became stepfather to three remarkable children — Angela, Jonathan, and Joseph — and loved them steadfastly and wholeheartedly throughout his life.

He was the quintessential pastor’s spouse, walking faithfully beside Nancy in her ministry as an elder in the United Methodist Church. Casey served as liturgist in worship, brought smiles and delight to children, sometimes with “Chef Entrée,” during children’s time, and quietly cared for countless people through the food pantries of the churches they served. For several years, he lovingly oversaw the kitchen at Kingdom Kamp, a Labor Day retreat for adults with developmental challenges, where his generous spirit and gift for hospitality made every person feel welcomed, valued, and fed in both body and soul.

When Nancy retired from full-time ministry in Texas, she and Casey made their way home to New Orleans, the city that had always lived in Casey’s heart. Together they embraced the rhythm and soul of the city — the music drifting through open doors, the rich Creole and Cajun flavors that filled neighborhood kitchens, the timeless beauty of its history and architecture, and, of course, the joy and spectacle of Mardi Gras parades rolling through the streets.

They immersed themselves in the life of the community they loved, volunteering with NOLA Ready, the French Quarter Festival, and the Satchmo SummerFest. Whether serving others, celebrating the culture of New Orleans, or simply sharing good food and music with friends and family, Casey and Nancy created a life rich in friendship, purpose, laughter, and love.

Casey shared a special bond with his nephew Abe who became one of his dearest most trusted companions. Sunday afternoons were spent gathered around the stove with music playing, pots simmering, and stories flowing easily between them. Their shared love of food, music and the New Orleans Saints became the foundation of a deeply cherished friendship that meant the world to them both.

Following a long and difficult illness and a final unforeseen fall, Casey entered his eternal home on May 9, 2026. He is preceded in death by his parents Wallace Miles and Jessie Bernice Taylor (née Case) and brother Terry Norman Taylor. He is survived by his wife Nancy Day; children Angela Walters and fiancé Eric Loescher; Jonathan (Tiffany) Moczygemba; Joseph (Renee) Moczygemba; sisters Sandy Taylor and Beth Taylor; brothers Gary (Ester) Taylor and Craig (Mary) Taylor; nephews Abraham Geasland and Andrew (Colleen Sargen) Geasland; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The family wishes to thank the many caring hands and hearts who walked beside him: the Neuro team at West Jefferson Medical Center; Dr Alan Halle; Dr Cornelius Schutte; Scott Delahoussaye and staff at Epic Physical Therapy in Belle Chasse; the Edward Jones family; and the dear friends, church members and neighbors who were constant in their prayers, love and support. We will carry your kindness in our hearts always.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to local food banks, soup kitchens, or other organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry, reflecting Casey’s belief that feeding others is one of life’s greatest acts of love.

A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, June 6, 2026, 1:00 pm at Gretna United Methodist Church, 1309 Whitney Ave, Gretna, LA. Please come as you are — comfortable, casual, and colorful attire is encouraged.

The family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences online at www.mothefunerals.com.