Christopher Dean Taylor

Christopher Dean Taylor, age 70, of Plano, Texas, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was born on June 27, 1955, in San Bernardino, California, to the late Robert & Dorothy Taylor. As a child of an Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, Chris completed kindergarten and the first grade in Japan. He spent the majority of his childhood in Biloxi, Mississippi until his family made their home in Garland, Texas. Chris was a 1974 graduate of North Garland High School, where he was President of the Key Club, a service organization. Outside of school, he enjoyed soft ball, umpiring, and snow and water skiing.

Chris went on to attend the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service to pursue his aspirations to become a funeral director. He also attended University of Texas Dallas to earn a business degree but quickly realized that his calling was a career in funeral service. He dedicated 50 years as a licensed funeral director in Texas, passionately serving families in the Dallas area. Chris also had the honor of being on the LHT Funeral Team, which allowed him to serve on funerals of the elite nationwide. He spent the last 37 years of his career serving in various roles with Service Corporation International/Dignity Memorial. The extraordinary care he provided to countless families during their loss and the way he helped shape the lives of many funeral service professionals over the years will always be cherished and remembered.

Chris met his wife, Kelly, on a blind date and they married in 1979. They enjoyed the simple things in life: spending time together and with friends. Together they lived a faith-filled life and were members of St. Mark the Evangelist, but often attended St. Rita, and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Churches over the years. Chris was a devout Catholic and was heavily involved in the Catholic Dioceses of Dallas. His work allowed him to build strong relationships with countless Priests and Deacons over the years, which he cherished. Chris was dedicated to helping the Catholic Charities of Dallas, was a Serra Club member, and a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre. He supported the Carmelite Nuns and the Bishop’s Golf Invitational year after year and was a big brother through the Big Brother organization for 8 years. His strong faith guided him through life and had a lasting impact on so many.

Chris was a member of the Dallas Athletic Club for many years, where he enjoyed golfing and socializing. He enjoyed music – especially rock and jazz but his favorite musician was his son, Drew. From the time Drew joined the school band to the many bands he played in over the years, Chris was his biggest fan. He also had a love for classic cars, spending time outdoors, yardwork, and his dog, Abbey. Most of all, Chris cherished his family and relished being a Grandad to Evan and Owen. Although he could be stubborn and opinionated, Chris had a wonderfully dry sense of humor that so many appreciated. He was truly a good-hearted man – someone who loved deeply and lived life with generosity and kindness. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him. “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:23.

In addition to his parents, Chris was preceded in death by his brother, Mike; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ed & Regis Curl. He is survived by his devoted wife, Kelly; son and daughter-in-law, Drew & Vanessa; grandsons, Evan & Owen; sisters, Robin and Shari; sisters-in-law, Kim (Chuck) Taylor and Elaine Taylor; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Abbey.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 4-8pm at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas 75225, with a Rosary Service beginning at 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 11am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 6300 Kenwood Ave. Dallas, Texas 75214, with Bishop Robert Coerver and Father John Libone as co-celebrants, with a reception to follow. Private interment will be held in the Carmelite Monastery Cemetery in Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to ALS Association at als.org or to the Team Gleason Foundation, P.O. Box 24493, New Orleans, LA 70184.