Donald Edward Tayman's Obituary
Donald Tayman passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Bridgeville, Delaware with his family by his side on December 21, 2025. He was 79 years young.
He was born in Washington, DC to Robert and Nellie (Phipps) Tayman. They lived in Washington, DC until they moved to Bradbury Heights, Maryland. He attended Bradbury Heights Elementary School, Suitland Jr. High then Suitland High School where he was introduced by mutual friends to the love of his life, Carlene Cooper. They were high school sweethearts and married July 9, 1966. He was a Sheet Metal Apprentice and after his apprenticeship graduated to Journeyman. As a Sheet Metal Mechanic with Local 100 he worked in a specialty shop in Washington, DC for most of his career and then moved on to other companies and became a Safety Coordinator for CMC. After their first son was born he moved his family to Brandywine, Maryland where they lived and raised their loving family of three children: sons Joseph and Mark and daughter Stacy. He was active with the Boy Scouts and was involved in athletic programs at St. Johns the Evangelist Parish and Clinton Boys and Girls Club in Clinton, Maryland. He was most proud of all the players he helped coach on the 15 and under Girls Softball Team that made it to the Nationals in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He also umpired/refereed football, softball and soccer. He was active in the Gwynn Park High School Athletic Club. He enjoyed traveling across the US to car shows and motorcycle races. He followed his grandchildren’s sports activities including wrestling, football, lacrosse, soccer and softball in local clubs and through high school. Don and Carlene made trips to Alaska, Hawaii, The Grand Canyon and multiple trips to the NCAA Women’s College World Series.
After their retirement Don and Carlene moved to Bridgeville, Delaware and continued to follow the grandkids in their sports. They started traveling in the RV and began to stay in Florida for three months in the winter and developed a new family of friends with the wonderful people they met at Upriver Campground in North Fort Myers. Don loved his family, his friends and his dogs. He was a very special guy who would help anyone when needed. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
He was predeceased by his parents: Robert W. Tayman and Nellie Mae (Phipps, Browning) Tayman and his siblings: Joan, Robert and Shirley Browning and Allen Tayman.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years Carlene Tayman and his children, Joseph Tayman (Regina), Mark Tayman (Carrie) and Stacy Whelan (Tony), as well as, his brother-in-law Carlisle “Buddy” Cooper. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Christopher (Natalie) and Dylan (Brianna) Tayman, Amber and Anthony Whelan, Kaitlyn (David) Stone, Brittany (Fernando) Coleman, Garrett (Jess), Devon (Chris) and Eddie Kennedy, Brandon Holladay and David “Jake” Atchison and his Bonus Grandson Hunter Watson; and 14 Great Grandchildren: Kori, Lilly and Ryker Tayman, Laila and Slade Stone, Taysean, Jazlyn, Rochelle, Brantley, Nellie, Nia, Noah, Makenzie, and Jessica.
Though he was not a veteran, Don had a special place in his heart for all veterans so in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations be made in his honor to this American Legion Post 238 or any American Legion or VFW of your choosing. Or other veteran charities, such as the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Wounded Warrior Project, PVA (Paralyzed Veterans of America), as well as, K9s for Warriors or The Hero Company to help fund Service Dogs for Veterans.
Family & Friends are invited to "A Celebration of Life" for Don on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the:
Jameson-Harrison American Legion Post 238, 6265 Brandywine Road, Hughesville, MD 20637
Please sign the tribute wall located on the website.
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