Obituary: TAYLOR, KENT

Kent G. Taylor "My Bestest Friend"On July 25, 2012, Kent G. Taylor (77) rode off into the sunset to join with his parents, brother, other family members, and friends in the great beyond.Kent was born in Wallsburg, UT on February 15, 1935 to Wayne C. (Jake) and Emeda Gardner Taylor. He attended Wasatch High School in Heber, UT where he played basketball and was All-State in football. There he met his sweetheart, Wilma Mair and they were married June 13, 1953. This union was blessed with five wonderful children, two daughters and three sons; SuAnn (Stephen) Weidner, Allen C. (Lynell) Taylor, Bryan W. (Lori) Taylor, Dennis K. Taylor, and GayeLyn (Arlo) Bates. Kent and Wilma were later sealed, along with their children in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on June 29, 1964.Kent worked in road construction for W.W. Clyde, was a Sergeant at the Utah State Prison, proprietor of the Longhorn Café, and Superintendent of Public Works for Lindon City. He then started Tri-Taylor Construction, LLC, along with his sons. Later he drove bus for Alpine School District. He was an avid horseman all his life and competed in many different events, but the highlight of his life was winning the World Wide Futurity horse race in New Mexico two years in a row with a full sister (Mama T) and brother (Papa T) pedigree. This record still stands today. Kent was a member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in numerous positions throughout his life. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Wilma, their children, 17 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren, a sister Dot (Verlin) Simmons, brothers, Jack (Gweneth) Taylor, and Ted (Sheral) Taylor. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and best friend Bliss C. Taylor, granddaughter Shannon Dawn Taylor, and great-grandson Broxton Anthony Taylor. A very compassionate person, Kent had a gift of lightening the mood and making others laugh in difficult circumstances. He found joy in helping and serving others and was considered a best friend by many friends and neighbors. He loved a good joke, good laugh, good music, and good company. Kent will be dearly missed, always loved, and forever remembered. Funeral arrangements will be under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff Street, St. George UT 84770 and thru Olpin Mortuary in Pleasant Grove, UT. Funeral services will be held July 30th at 12:00 p.m. in the Riverside Branch LDS Chapel, 2434 E Riverside Drive, St. George, UT 84790. Friends may call at the church prior to the service from 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Lindon Cemetery, 550 N 200 E, Lindon, UT 84042 on Tuesday, July 31st with graveside services beginning at 1:00 p.m.