Michael Lee Taylor

Michael Lee Taylor was born April 3rd, 1954, the second child of Richard and Margaret (Barrett) Taylor in Sidney Nebraska. He joined his older sister Susan. A few years later his brother Jerry and baby sister Carol completed the family. They grew up in the Crook area farming and ranching.

Mike graduated from NJC in 1974 and moved to Yuma, Colorado to work with his dad developing five more irrigated circles South of Yuma. It was hard work but easier to push a button to get water to the crop rather than using tubes from the ditches.

He met Cindy Mason at Woody’s drive inn when she worked carhop. A few years later they started dating and eventually married on August 16th, 1985. To this union three children were born. Hali Jo in 1986, Zackery Lee in 1987 and Hannah Jean in 1989.

They lived in the South county until 1998 when his dad sold the South place and and bought more land in northern Yuma county where they could be closer to the rest of the family operation.

Mike continued to farm and their family built a herd of cows second to none. He was proud of his cows and was particular about how everything was planted and taken care of with the crops. You couldn't do anything that Mike wouldn't have a better way to do it.

In 2019 they sold the cows and rented the land, and life became a little easier. He was content to stay on the farm taking care of the dogs Cindy kept bringing home and generally took it easy. The family sold the land in 2022.

Mike and Cindy bought a house in Wray so Cindy could be closer to her work He was supposed to move to town but never quite got around to it. He loved the farm, that was his home.

He had health problems and got to know a lot of people in the Wray area going to the doctor, hospital, and the drug store. They got to know his sense of humor. He was sweet and ornery all at the same time and you knew he was there by his loud and colorful language.

Mike loved life. He loved his wife and especially his kids. He couldn't say no to any one. His grandchildren were his pride and joy!

Mike is survived by his wife of almost 40 years Cindy, daughter Hali and her husband Caleb Thompson, Zackery and his wife Jayci, and Hannah and her husband Casey English. His four grandchildren Grayson and Gunner English and Bennett and Scarlett Taylor.

Also surviving him is his stepmother Phyllis and stepbrother Zane, his sister Susan and husband Kent Mueller, his brother Jerry and Sister Carol and her husband Randy Marostica. His father-in-law Dale Mason and sister-in-law Jo Benson and her husband Ed, brother-in-law Jay Mason and his wife Shawna. Several nieces and nephews, aunts and an uncle and lots of cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Margaret, his nephew Bradley Samber, and mother-in-law Jeanene Mason.

Mike was someone you wouldn't forget and left a lasting impression on everyone. His services will be held at the First Christian Church Thursday April 3rd 2025 at 2:00 PM. That day would be his 71st birthday! Happy heavenly birthday Mike. Gone too soon but never forgotten.