John Lee Taylor

On May 2, 2025, we said goodbye to our husband, father, and friend, John Lee Taylor, age 80. He returned to his Heavenly Father after a very full, exciting, cheeky, and loving life.

Lee was born July 15, 1944, in Evanston, Wyoming to Myrtle and Oneida Taylor. There he grew up in the wild outdoors and became an expert mountaineer, sportsman, fisherman, and sharpshooter. These skills served him well when after graduating high school in 1962, he later enlisted in the United States Navy where he served 6 years in Vietnam as a nuclear submariner and expert engine specialist. He was proud to be a Vietnam veteran and spoke highly of working with U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, Rickover in the Nuclear Navy.

Lee served his country with determination, fire, and intellect. He traveled under every ocean in the world and survived extensive combat on both land and sea. After his honorable discharge he was decorated with a purple heart, and he continued to evade death on many other occasions. On his 30th birthday, while working as a lineman for the county, he was hit by lightning out of a clear sky while suspended 100 feet high on a telephone pole. Lee described it as an “interesting day.”

He met Diane Pierce on a blind date. He impressed her with his humor, smile, and lively, but bashful spirit. They married in the Ogden, Utah temple on September 17, 1980. They settled in Hooper, Utah.

Lee worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 42 years, first starting as a telegrapher, then clerk, brakeman, conductor, and engineer. He was selected to drive the prized “Big Boy” steam engine safely through the challenging Wyoming terrain.

He worked grueling hours on the railroad, often in the other worldly cold (sometimes -70 degrees) of Wyoming, but his spirit was always here with us. We knew he was working for us, his beloved family. His dedication was true and evident.

It is a great comfort that he passed quickly following a valiant fight with interstitial lung disease. His actual passing was mercifully swift, and we know he is no longer in pain, which we are grateful for. He is in the Happiest of Hunting Grounds on the other side now, reunited with long missed family and friends, both animal and human, who have long awaited his charming, endearing, and humor filled company.

Goodbye Lee. Thank you. We love you. Hold a spot for us at the table.

While Lee was ill, he was fortunate to receive excellent care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, IHC Palliative Care Services, including home health services, as well as the dedicated care of many physicians and emergency responders. We are forever grateful for those who devote their professional lives to helping others. Beauty is all around, even in the darkest hours.

Lee was blessed to be a member of the Hooper Third Ward, where he made lifetime friends. We cannot express our gratitude enough for your support during this time. It simply overflows the banks. In this time as we grieve, we ask that you share his stories; he loved telling stories. Please help us keep them alive.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Hooper City Cemetery 5290 S. 6300 W. Friends may visit with family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 W. 5600 S.