Bradley J. Taylor

Bradley J. Taylor, 62, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 12, 2025 after a courageous year-and-a-half battle with gallbladder cancer. His strength, humor, and love never wavered, even in the hardest moments. A celebration of Brad’s life will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel followed by a time of sharing at 3:00 p.m. True to Brad’s sweet tooth and joyful spirit, a dessert bar will be offered in his honor.

Born on August 4, 1962, in Des Moines, Brad was the son of James and Sandra Taylor and a proud Iowa native through and through. He graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines in 1980, where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife, Kelly. He also proudly played on the first Valley football team to reach the state tournament at the UNI-Dome. Brad went on to earn his degree in Business Administration from the University of Iowa in 1984, where he was a member of Delta Chi fraternity and a lifelong fan of Hawkeye football.

In 1985, Brad married the love of his life, Kelly, and together they built a beautiful life, starting in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and raising their two children, Zach and Kaye back home in West Des Moines, Iowa. Brad was a devoted husband and father who never missed a game, a school activity, or a chance to make memories. He coached his children’s sports teams, cheered loudly from the sidelines, and delighted in planning family vacations that took them on adventures around the world.

Brad had many passions, but few brought him more joy than his cars. His garage was his haven, a place where he could be found fine-tuning his collection with pride. He enjoyed attending Saturday morning Cars and Coffees, the Des Moines Concours, and a few of his cars were also featured in local films.

Later in life, Brad and Kelly fulfilled a shared dream of retiring to their favorite place Grand Cayman where they found wonderful friends from across the world, a love for SCUBA diving, and endless Mud Slides.

A lover of all music, Brad especially enjoyed live music and could always be found on Thursday nights in Valley Junction with his dogs listening to local bands. He and Kelly traveled near and far to follow their favorite band, James, collecting memories and melodies together.

Professionally, Brad had a long and successful career as an IT consultant, including many years serving the State of Iowa. In 2010, Brad achieved a lifelong goal of his by owning his own business and bringing GameTruck to Des Moines. Spreading laughter and fun at birthday parties across central Iowa, and eventually to Omaha and the Twin Cities, Brad became fondly known as the “GameTruck guy.” The joy he saw on kids’ faces and the way he lit up when recognized around town was a testament to the heart he put into everything he did.

Brad is deeply missed by his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Kelly; son, Zachary (Allie) Taylor, beloved granddaughter, Nora; and daughter, Kaye Taylor. He is also survived by his sister, Cristina (James) Nelson and their children, Tori (Dylan) Miller and Nathan; sister-in-law, Katherine Cavanaugh; brothers-in-law, John Cavanaugh, James (Cara) Cavanaugh and their children, Murphy and Nelson; and Joe (Christina) Cavanaugh and their son, Liam; aunts, Susan York Skogen, and Pat Jenkins and cousins.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents, James and Sandra Taylor; parents-in-law, John and Karen Cavanaugh; grandparents; and beloved uncle, Butch York.

In honor of Brad’s love for animals, memorial contributions may be made to the Golden Retriever Rescue of Iowa, the organization that brought Gabby and Nikki into his family’s life.

Brad’s legacy is one of deep love, great laughter, and a life lived fully; on the road, in the garage, at the game, and always with his family by his side.