Darrel J. "Shorty" Taylor's Obituary
In Loving Memory Darrel J. "Shorty" Taylor - Morley
Darrel J. “Shorty” Taylor was born December 15, 1944, to Donald and Francis Taylor, the fifth of eight children. He grew up in Jackson and Lowell, graduating from Lowell High School. He attended Kendall College of Art and Design for two years before his “friends and neighbors” sent him a notice to serve in the United States Army. He served in the Army as a military policeman for two years, with postings in Boston, Mass., and Germany. He later married Cheryl Baldwin in November of 1973, and they raised their two children, Candy and Louie, in Lowell and later in Morley. Shorty spent most of his working years employed by Blackmer Pump of Grand Rapids.
Shorty was an independent man who enjoyed working with his hands and spending time outdoors. In addition to his children, he raised a variety of livestock on his hobby farm near Morley. A talented machinist, he was able to do his farm work with a series of tractors and implements he kept in running order with some creative metal crafting and repair work. He also enjoyed hunting, continuing to take to the woods each November for deer season without fail.
Shorty passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Cheryl; his two children, Candy (Bob) Allan and Louie Taylor; grandchildren, Nathan, Bailey, Aly, and Patrick; one sister, Irene (Paul) San Nicolas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, all four brothers and three sisters.
Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Mohnke Janowicz Funeral Home, 128 S. Warren Ave., Big Rapids, with graveside services to follow in Aetna Township Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, at the funeral home. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhiome.com.
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