Patrick ‘Pat’ Taylor
Patrick “Pat” Allen Taylor took his walk home to be with Jesus on December 7, 2020
Pat was born in North Platte, Neb. on July 16, 1978 to Dick and Jodene (Johnson) Taylor. Pat always had a love for the outdoors, and as a child when he wasn’t attending school, you would find him playing in the pastures with GI Joes and enjoying nature.
As Pat grew older, he entered 4-H and became one of the first members of the Dog Gone Fun 4-H Club. He and his beloved dog, Tuffy, attended many dog shows. He received Grand Champion awards at the Custer County Fair and went on to win Obedience Champion at the Nebraska State Fair. Pat always kept his love for dogs and dog training. He was always willing to share dog training tricks and tips with others.
In Pat’s high school years, he continued his love for the great outdoors and had many hunting excursions with friends. He also had a love of music where he shared his musical talent in choirs at church, as well as choir and show choir at Broken Bow School. He also played the trombone and tuba in band.
Pat also participated in football, wrestling, and track where he threw shot put and discus. He had a love for the game of baseball and continued playing ball with friends for many years after high school.
Continuing his love for the outdoors, Pat worked for Adams Land & Cattle Co. in high school, as well as helped his Granddad Johnson on the farm. Pat graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1996.
He went on to attend college at University of Nebraska at Kearney, obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Ag-Business. It was while attending college that he met the love of his life, Michele (Smith) Taylor.
Pat returned to his hometown of Broken Bow after graduating college in 2000, where he continued his love of nature and the outdoors by working for Ron Coleman on his farm/ranch operation.
Pat and Michele were married on Feb. 12, 2005. They made their home in Broken Bow, and Pat continued to pursue his love of faith and farming. Aside from a time of working at Palmer Monument, Pat was engaged in selling seed through Trotter Fertilizer and then with AgVenture for the past nine years. Pat always had a way with connecting with people – wherever he went. He considered his farmers family.
Pat was diagnosed with a Grade 3 Astrocytoma Brain Tumor on Sept. 22, 2014. While this altered his life, he remained committed to his faith, church attendance and involvement at the United Methodist Church in Broken Bow. He worked with Marty Leggett to start a praise and worship service, which gave him so much pride and joy.
In 2018, Pat’s brain cancer returned, and after a second surgery, it was determined he had a Grade 4 Glioma. Pat’s life was once again altered with more treatments and travel. Yet, he continued to think of others and have hope in his faith in God.
Pat’s cancer journey took a difficult turn in July of 2020. However, Pat remained steadfast in his faith to the end. Even when communication was difficult, he would respond to prayer and scripture reading. Until the end, Pat was always thinking of others – making wooden signs for them while in Brookestone.
Throughout his cancer journey, until he was no longer able, Pat could be seen on early morning walks – rain or shine. He was always thinking of others, sending pictures of the sunrise, or calling just to say hi.
He continually expressed his love for his family and was overjoyed when his son, Tristan, was born on December 21, 2010. In Pat’s words, “My family is now complete.” Alongside their dog Samson, Pat, Michele and Tristan were often referred to as the “Three Musketeers,” a fiercely faithful and loving threesome, always there for one another. The loss of Pat leaves a deep void for so many. He did, and still does, bring people together and was loved by all who met him.
Pat is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Milburn and Lera Taylor; maternal grandparents Willard and Norma Johnson; Uncle Ben Clark; Aunt Gayle Taylor; Aunt Lila Picton; Great Uncle JD Gibson; Great Uncle Bill Bigbee; and other great-uncles and aunts.
Pat is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Michele (Smith) Taylor; beloved son Tristan Taylor; sister Betsy (Chris) Smith; nieces Rayelee Smith and Maggie Smith of Broken Bow; parents Dick and Jodene Taylor of Broken Bow; motherin-law Pat Smith of Kearney; father-in-law Roger (Sharon) Smith of Kearney; brother-in-law Jason (Angela) and niece Taylee Smith of Kearney; and many, many other family members, and friends.
A family funeral service was Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Broken Bow with Pastor Matt Fowler officiating. The funeral was livestreamed at www.govierbrothers.com.
The public was invited to attend Graveside Services at Broken Bow Cemetery at 3:15 p.m.
Masks were mandatory at the church and the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to My Bridge Radio.
Visitation was Friday, Dec. 11 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Broken Bow. Masks were mandatory.
Govier Brothers Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
An online guest book may be signed for words of encouragement or remembrance at www.govierbrothers.com. Govier Brothers Mortuary complies with the CDC and State of Nebraska.