Thomas Taylor

Thomas Jay Taylor, 83, passed away on December 8, 2021, in Lehi, UT.  He was born in Bell, California to Stephen Thomas Taylor and Lareine Tolman Taylor.  He was the oldest of three sons.  Younger brothers Laren "Larry" Taylor married Penelope "Penny" Taylor and John Taylor married Kathleen "Kathy" Taylor.

Thomas married Jeaquetta Levie of Montebello, CA on August 23, 1958 in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Los Angeles Temple.  Thomas graduated from California State University, Northridge with a bachelor's degree in History. Over his career he worked in many different fields from running printing presses for Marquardt Corp. then his father’s family tire business (Taylor Tire) then years with Scientific Data Systems, Xerox Corporation and then 26 years spent working for the Los Angeles County Office of Education, from which he retired.  He also served in the bishopric and held many other callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Thomas loved genealogy and golf.  He would golf at least twice a week even up to a couple of weeks ago. He was a quiet man but a very serving and giving man at church, with his family, and especially to his dear sweetheart of 63-1/2 years.  His love of family and history led to a lifelong gathering of family information and helping relatives get to know each other.  Thomas was the go-to cousin for those seeking to learn about their family and distant relatives.  He always reached out to new relations to welcome them into the family and help them if they needed any contact information, all while gathering theirs.

Many summers were spent at the family cabin in Big-Bear Lake California often with additional relatives and guests staying together in the small comfy family and friends-built retreat.  Their first retirement home was to move up to and live in Big-Bear, eventually moving to Utah to be closer to children and grandchildren.

Thomas was the biggest fan of his children and grandchildren’s sporting events.  He went to every-one that he could over the years, traveling to follow his kids all over the country to be at their softball games, dance recitals, soccer games and many other events.  Thomas has always been a big sports fan of many different sports.  He was a huge BYU fan and loved watching RSL Soccer.  His other hobbies include RV camping with his family, planning and attending many family reunions, working on his computer, a good BBQ and spending time with friends and family.  Thomas also enjoyed traveling and cruises with his bride Jackie.  They went on many cruises and RV trips including Hawaii and Alaska (via the Alaska-Canada Highway) many times over the years.

Thomas is survived by his wife Jeaquetta "Jackie" Taylor, his 5 children Dale (Kristy) Taylor, Mark (Kathy Jo) Taylor, Eric (Cathy) Taylor, Patti (Jeffery) Holmes and Pamela (Donald) Halvo, 16 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, and surviving younger brothers Larry and John Taylor.  Thomas was preceded in death by his parents.

The service for Thomas Jay Taylor will be held on Friday December 17th, at 11am at the Chapel located at 127 East 3200 North Lehi, UT  84043.

Please share a memory on Thomas’s Tribute Wall at www.AndersonMortuary.com.