Earl Simons Taylor, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, in Hurricane, Utah, surrounded by his family following a courageous 18-month fight with brain cancer.
Earl was born January 24, 1953, in Spanish Fork, Utah, to Kenneth Lee Taylor and Anna June Simons Taylor. Earl graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1971 setting the stage for a life filled with dedication, hard work, and service to his community and fellow man.
He spent his career as a machinist and subsequently as a quality assurance inspector for aircraft at Hill Air Force Base in Utah.
Always passionate about sports, Earl Spent 16 years as the President of the Payson Youth Recreation Baseball and Softball associations. He selflessly volunteered his time, even long after his children were no longer involved.
On November 22, 1974, Earl married his sweetheart, Sheri Hart, in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together, Earl and Sheri were the life of the party wherever they found themselves. Earl was known for his great sense of humor, boisterous laugh and incomparable singing voice.His holiday rendition of “O Holy Night” was a must for anyone within earshot of the many performances he delivered each holiday season. Whether at weddings, funerals, local celebrations, or church meetings, Earl never turned down a request to sing. He would often share the admonition given to him by his father, that the gift of Earl’s voice came with a requirement to never turn down a request to share it; and Earl never did.
Earl had a way of making anyone he was around feel like the most important person in the world. He was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints He served an honorable full-time mission in the Texas North mission and served in numerous callings, including as a counselor in the bishopric and as a stake Sunday School president, but his most treasured calling was teaching the youth in Sunday School.
Earl is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Sheri Taylor; his children: Jamon (Amy Tervort), Lincoln (Lori Ivie), and Kamee (Tyler Hale); as well as his sisters, Laura Bridges and Ann Elmer; and by his brother, Neil Taylor, his adored 13 grandchildren plus four grandsons-in-law, and four great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and June Taylor, and by his brothers, Clark Taylor and Ray Taylor.
Whether performing music, making cinnamon almonds, coaching baseball, or just being a great friend, Earl left an unmistakable mark on anyone who crossed his path. His legacy of kindness and love lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.
The family thanks Earl’s many caregivers over the past year and a half including Chelsey Oja, the amazing staff in the neuro-rehab center, Choice Hospice Care, and Dr. Terence Rhodes, M.D., and Jen. We love and appreciate them all.
A celebration of Earl’s life will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Santaquin North Stake Center Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 545 North 200 East, Santaquin, Utah 84655. Visitation will be prior from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church. There will also be visitation on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. Interment will be at Spanish Fork City Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660.
Rest in peace, Earl. You will be sorely missed by all, but forgotten by none. We love you!
5 Condolences for Earl Simons Taylor
Condolences(5)
Craig and Kathy Larsen says
April 8, 2025 at 6:12 amEarl was a great friend and neighbor. We loved his singing and licorice carmels. We will miss him. Our deepest condolences to your family.
Sherry Plaisted says
April 15, 2025 at 9:09 pmEarl was always so cheerful and generous . He was just so much fun to be around. He made you feel loved and we appreciated his charming sense of humor. You couldn’t visit the Taylor’s without leaving with something. John loved playing guitar while Earl sang, he had such a beautiful voice. He loved Sheri and his family with all his heart. He will be missed.
Ryan Hart says
April 17, 2025 at 4:55 pmUncle Earl was/is a good man who, along with Aunt Sheri, reached out to me while I was a student in Utah. I have always enjoyed visiting and laughing with them and their kids. I will miss Earl and wish for the Lord to comfort his surviving loved ones!
Karen Mitchell says
April 17, 2025 at 10:50 pmSharing a funny story that I remember. I was at the house one Monday and June had family home evening and everyone was asked what their favorite food was, and I remember Earl saying that his favorite food was steak because he could pick the meat from his teeth and eat it. It was just a silly moment in time, but never forgotten. Rest in peace, cousin. Sending prayers to all.
Scott Lewis says
April 18, 2025 at 12:36 amWords cannot describe what an amazing couple Earl and Sheri are. The kindness they have for everyone, friends and family both, is absolutely incredible. We sorely miss Earl and our hearts are sad. Today’s service was so very special because of all the wonderful memories that were shared. Like Linc, I also didn’t know Mr. Cannon’s first name was Gary. Thank you Earl and Sheri both for sharing your lives with the rest of us.
I miss you Cuz.
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