Verl L Taylor

He was born in Colonia Dublan, Chihuahua Mexico, on August 31, 1922, to Edwin Adolphin Taylor and Ruby Evadna Pierce, both descendants of Mormon Pioneers. He was the youngest of 7 children; two sisters died in infancy.

The family moved to El Paso, Texas when he was 2 years old. In high school, he was a track and field champion. He could jump higher than his head and run the 440-yard dash faster than anyone.

He attended Brigham Young University and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. There he met his sweetheart Marilyn Kennedy, and they were married on May 14, 1947, in Elko, Nevada. They later solemnized their marriage in the Salt Lake Temple. They were married for over 70 years. Early on they decided they wanted to have six children, three boys, and three girls, and that is just how it turned out, over a period of 19 years. The family moved to Florida, then Chicago, then to Salt Lake City where he was the national controller for American Linen. He later enjoyed a successful career as an investor and real estate developer.

He was a man of faith and an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for his entire life. He served as executive secretary or ward clerk to seven different bishoprics. He and his wife Marilyn served as visitor center missionaries in Laie, Hawaii.

He was a man of vitality and had a zest for life that was contagious. He and Marilyn traveled the world. He enjoyed providing vacations for his family, especially the many wonderful weeks spent boating and house boating on Lake Powell. He was a great harmonica player, always willing to play for family, friends, and was in various bands. He would get universal praise for his playing. He was a wise man who knew how to seek wise counsel. He was an entrepreneur and terrific provider for his family. He was a shining example to all who knew and loved him. His life was very well-lived and we will cherish his memory forever.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Beehive Home on 3700 S 2300 E who so kindly looked after all his needs the last two and a half years. And words cannot express the gratitude we all feel for our dear mother who dedicated her life to him and her children. She has been there for us always.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn; his daughter Lenora (Craig) Johnson; his daughter Darlene Taylor Braden; his son Lamar Pierce Taylor; son Rex Devon Taylor; 20 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, who all passed away in the order of their births: his brother Lamar; his sister Ada; his brother Ike; and his sister Ruby; his two eldest children, David Wayne Kennedy Taylor; and Faune La Rue Taylor Smith.

Funeral services will be held Thursday July 13, 2017 at the Mount Olympus Stake Center, 4176 Adonis Drive, Salt Lake City Utah, 84124. Friends will be received from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and the service will be at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.