Richard Neal Taylor's Obituary
Big Rapids - Richard Neal Taylor, 72, of Big Rapids, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, after his battle with cancer.
He was born February 21, 1949, in Big Rapids, the son of Ivring and Wilma (Kienitz) Taylor. Rich served in the 82nd Airborne, US Army as a paratrooper.
While in the army he met and married Rose Coble of Ammon of North Carolina and they were married from July 15, 1972, through December 13, 1984. Together they had 3 children, Andrew (Cheryl) Taylor of Chippewa Lake, Carol (Brian) Sutton of Big Rapids, and Brent (Jerilyn) Taylor of Paris. Rich was blessed with 9 beautiful grandchildren: April (Zack) Griffin of Tustin, Ashley Taylor (Ray Kleeves) of Chase, Courtney Taylor (Tommy Peterson) of Tacoma, WA, Sarah Taylor (Jake Mullins) of Paris, Mason and Dalton Taylor, and Jamie, Grace, and Autumn Sutton, all of Big Rapids, and one great grandchild Nickolas Peterson of Tacoma, WA.
When Rich met his life partner, Joyce Newman, in 1985 he gained even more family, including her two daughters Lisa (Jeff) VanderKlipp of Rockford and Jennifer (Mike) Stevens of Big Rapids; four grandchildren, Joe Metzger and Amanda Metzger (Jeff Cooper) both of Cedar Springs, Chad Cady and Joshua Stevens both of Big Rapids; and three great-grandchildren Paige Metzger-Cooper, Paisley and Jace Cooper all of Cedar Springs.
Rich was a very hard worker and worked at Mark IV Industries in Big Rapids for about 20 years before he retired in 2012. Rich enjoyed riding motorcycles, going for walks, spending time with his grandchildren and woodworking. He had a great sense of humor and loved to make others laugh. Rich was a long-time member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church of Big Rapids.
Rich is survived by his life partner Joyce Newman, his brother Scott (Janet) Taylor of Big Rapids, brother Jon (Marilyn) Taylor of Florida, his children, grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Tom (Margaret) Taylor.
A Celebration of his life will be held at the Mecosta Township Hall on Saturday, August 14th, 2021, at 11am. Memorial contributions in his name can be mailed to the Big Rapids American Legion post for the Disabled American Veterans. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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