MICHAEL LAWRENCE TAYLOR
1951 - 2022
Michael Lawrence Taylor was born on May 5, 1951, in Bakersfield, California to Lawrence and Bettie Taylor. Mike attended Horace Mann Elementary, Compton Jr High and graduated from East Bakersfield High in 1969. Mike's high school years were some of his fondest memories, playing in his rock band, Glass Menagerie, racing his '64 Chevelle and dating “his Abby.” After graduation Mike went on a 2-year mission to Chile for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Upon return Mike married his sweetheart, Abby Ann on August 25, 1972, in the Manti Temple. Early in their marriage they settled in St. George, Utah while Mike attended Dixie State Jr. College. Mike transferred to Brigham Young University to finish his bachelor's degree in Spanish. While in college he learned the trades of painting to put himself through school. He also pursued his dream of being a “Rock Star” in bands such a Gas, Food and Lodging. He was the lead singer and played guitar, a gift that he continued to share with family and friends throughout his life.
After graduation he returned to Bakersfield with his family and continued learning the construction trades of framing and tile work. Mike, a born craftsman, obtained his General Contractor's license and started Taylor Development company. During his 44 years as a contractor, he built many homes in Bakersfield as well as did many remodels and beautiful cabinet work. Mike has been an active member of his church where he served in the high priest quorum upon his death. In his later years, Mike spent much of his time restoring his beloved '64 Chevelle and Abby's yellow MG Midget. Anyone who knew Mike enjoyed his exaggerated stories, tall tales and always happy demeanor. His
greatest happiness was to bring joy to all those he encountered. He was loved by all who had the opportunity to know him.
Mike is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Abby Ann, his daughter, Mauri and her husband Teddy, daughter Jaime and her husband Michael, son Spencer and Shanti, son Mikey and his wife Larissa, daughter Sunni and her husband Nick. He has 20 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, Taylor and her husband Spencer and their son Wesley, Kauner his wife, McKell, Payton, Sadie, Hayden, Zeke, Ellie, Charley, Luke, Sammi, Caelyn, Logan, Sariah, Spencer, Griffin, Dresden, Graham, Remington, Gwen and Remi. He is survived by sister Linda Carlson, brother William and his wife Deborah and sister Diana and husband Greg. Preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Bettie Taylor and brother in law, Rick Carlson.
Funeral services will take place on Saturday, April 30 at 3pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 5600 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93306.