Charles Kent Taylor

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles Kent Taylor, aged 69, who departed this life on February 28th at 3:34 PM while on vacation with family in Jaco, Costa Rica. Pura Vida is Costa Rica’s unofficial national slogan and you hear it everywhere. The meaning of Pura Vida is “pure life” and it’s come to symbolize the simple, cheerful outlook and lifestyle of what is often called the happiest country in the world. Kent left this life as big, fast and furious as he lived. Those closest to Kent find peace in knowing that he was living life to the absolute fullest in the happiest country in the world and could not think of a more Kent Taylor way to go. Kent leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and countless memories that will be cherished by all that knew him.

Born on July 25, 1954, in Houston, Texas, Kent was a treasured soul whose presence enriched the lives of those around him. While he lived in many different states, Texas was always home to him. He loved spending time with his friends and family and entertaining at either of his homes in Austin and Galveston.

Kent approached life with boundless enthusiasm and a spirit of generosity that touched many. He dedicated his professional life to the Insurance Claims field, where he found fulfillment in helping others succeed, especially his children who all proudly follow in his professional footsteps.

Kent was the beloved husband of Dana Taylor and a cherished father to Mila Taylor McClain (Richard Bucey), Sonya Taylor Pastuch (Michael Pastuch), Robert Aaron Crain (Jennifer Crain), and Jon Austin Taylor (Melissa Josephson). His role as a grandfather to Jackson Kent McClain, Elle Marie McClain, Macy Lyn McClain, Jacob Michael Pastuch, Sophie Lynn Pastuch, Gracie Jo Pastuch, Aaron Crew Crain, Cambree James Crain, Cohen Chase Crain, Jon Colt Taylor, and Addison Grace Taylor brought him immense joy. He leaves behind his adoring mother, Yvonne Taylor; his sister, Karen Harpold; his brother, Keith Taylor; in laws who considered him their own, Ron and Doris Crocker, and a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He joins in eternity, his father, Charles Delbert Taylor.

He was a charismatic man with a magnetic personality, never meeting a stranger and making everyone he encountered feel valued and important. His genuine love for people always included his family and friends, as well as all encounters with the dry cleaner attendants, gas station clerks, car wash employees, valet attendants, car salesmen, waiters, bartenders and beyond.

Kent's life was a testament to his varied interests and the joy he found in simple pleasures, such as frequenting his favorite restaurants, cooking great food, telling jokes, cheering on the Astros, and his appreciation for fine automobiles. His sense of humor and capacity for kindness never failed to elevate the spirits of those around him and he left an indelible mark on every life he touched.

The Taylor family invites all who knew and loved Kent to join them in celebrating his life. A church service will take place on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Christian Life Austin at 4700 West Gate Blvd, Austin, TX 78745. Following the service, we will celebrate his life with a party as large as his heart to be held at Prohibition ATX at 9112 Anderson Mill Rd #400-b, Austin, TX 78729.

As we bid farewell to Mr. Charles Kent Taylor, we are reminded of the preciousness of life and the enduring legacy left by a man who loved deeply and laughed often.

To honor Kent, please strike up a conversation during every future cashier encounter, smile at strangers, tell a joke, bear hug your loved ones, enjoy a Tanqueray and Tonic, and spread kindness and love like wildfire. We take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched. May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing.

So here's to Charles Kent Taylor—a man who lived life full throttle, with a heart as big as Texas and a smile that could light up the darkest night. He may have left the building, but the echoes of his laughter are still bouncing off the walls.

Pallbearers will be Aaron Crain, Austin Taylor, Jackson McClain, Jacob Pastuch, Rich Bucey, Michael Pastuch.

Flowers can be sent to Christian Life Austin 4700 West Gate Blvd, Austin, TX 78745