Thomas Earl Taylor

Thomas Earl Taylor, Sr. (73) passed away peacefully with family and friends by his side on Thursday April 17th, 2025.

Thomas, better known as Tom or Big T, was born in Phoenix, AZ on August 18th of 1951. The son of Jack Taylor and Mildred Williams, Jack would later remarry to Ethel Taylor, who helped raise the family. His childhood was spent with a lively bunch of brothers, whom he always stuck up for, fought with, and loved unconditionally. As Tom spent his childhood in Arizona, his passion for the outdoors, rodeo, and music would spark, something he would enjoy throughout his life.

His teenage years would move him to Colorado and the Rocky Mountains to Eagle to spend time with his Uncle Buck Baldwin. He was a top tier student, receiving satisfactory marks in all courses of schooling. He loved, science and history the most. His achievements would not only be scholarly, Tom was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in Football, Wrestling, and Bull Riding. Tom would graduate from Eagle Valley high school in 1969 with top marks in academics, a state championship in wrestling, and a friend group that loved him dearly. After graduation, Tom wanted to wrestle in college and receive a degree in Physical Education and become a teacher. However, life had a different plan.

Tom Taylor would honorably serve the US Army during the Vietnam war. He enlisted on May 11th, 1971. Completed basic training and was promoted to rank of Sergeant January 20th, 1972. From there he was sent overseas to Vietnam where he would earn the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam service medal with a bronze star. He was honorably transferred to United States Air-force in 1973 where he finished his career in Fort Carson, CO.

After his service, Tom would find his way back to the Western Slope of Colorado re-united with his family and brothers. If he wasn’t rodeoing/cowboying or outdoors hunting and fishing, Tom found a quality in life Drywalling and building homes and facilities around the country. Helping build peoples dreams one drywall joint a time.

Throughout his life he enriched himself with helping his community of friends. He was always available for help, guidance, or a quick witted “re-ride” story as he like to call them.

He had a fulfilling life, surround by his children: Jon, Lacy, Tommy, Jr., Shelby, Shania, and Sydney. Tom enjoyed instilling his passions, values, and hard work into his children, none more than his son Tommy. He was always proud of the achievements of his children.

Tom Taylor Sr was a man of many facets. Husband, Father, Brother, Friend, and even had the word Legend thrown around from time to time. He will be missed dearly.

He is preceded in death by his father Jack , His mothers Mildred and Ethel, and his brother Mike. He leaves behind his former spouse Kathy and their children; sons Tommy and Jon, his daughters Lacy, Shelby, Shania, and Sydney. Former spouse Denise and her children Cory and Zak. His remaining brothers: Butch, Tim, Tad, and Jack, as well as several nieces and nephews. And the world of people he called family.

A gravesite service will be held on April 24, 2025 at 1 pm at the Cortez Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the American Legion. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made at the luncheon or by Venmo (@tommytay81) to help the family with funeral expenses.