Taft Lee Taylor

Taft Lee Taylor, 86 of Gaylord, passed away Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

Born March 13, 1939, in Detroit, Taft grew up in Walled Lake and graduated from Walled Lake High School in 1958. While growing up, Taft met Carol Nowlen, who was four years his junior. They fell in love and were married on December 21, 1961.

While working at General Motors, Taft attended Schoolcraft College where he received an associate degree and served an apprenticeship to become a certified master mechanic. In addition to General Motors, he also worked at Commerce Industries and Novi Precision while the family lived in Walled Lake and Byron. After moving up north, he worked at Grayling Industries.

Taft was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

In his spare time, Taft was an avid hunter, and he loved classic cars. He especially enjoyed figure eight demolition derby with his sons. Taft also enjoyed family genealogy research.

Taft is survived by Carol, his wife of 64 years; brother, Merrill Taylor of White Lake; his sons, Taft Michael Taylor of Gaylord, Christopher Lee Taylor of White Lake, and Sean Dennis (Stephanie) Taylor of Gaylord; grandchildren, Brianna Taylor, Josh Issac, Tessa Patsey, Raija Taylor (Zack) Strange, Mikayla Taylor, Evan Taylor, Ezra (Shelby)Taylor, and Sydney McKenney Szymanski; and great grandson, Brimley Strange.

In keeping with his wishes, his family will remember him privately at a memorial gathering.

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