Sheldon L. Taylor, 64, Cleveland UT, passed away suddenly at Castleview Hospital August 2, 2017.  He was born June 25, 1953, Roosevelt UT, to Merril and Sarah (Thayne) Taylor.  He married his sweetheart Laurie O’Neil, November 13, 1977 in Elko NV.  He was raised on the family farm in Talmage UT, with 3 older brothers and 2 younger brothers.  He graduated Altamont High School in 1971.

Sheldon started his career in the oil fields of the Uintah Basin working various positions.  In 1978 an opportunity in the coal mines of Emery County brought him and his family to Emery County.  He started his coal mining career at the Wilberg Coal Mine.  He worked in several capacities in the mine including beltman, haulage, and pumpman.  He was working underground the night of the Wilberg Mine disaster and was one of the first mine rescue responders to help with rescue efforts of his fellow miners.  He continued mining at the Trail Mountain Coal Mine until retiring at the closure of the mine in 2001.  After mining he continued his career in the gas fields of Carbon and Emery County working as a roustabout.  First with Sorenson Welding, and finally with G&G Construction and Welding.

Sheldon had an infectious spirt and love for life that affected everyone lucky enough to know him or even luckier to call him friend.  His love of the outdoors was second only to the love he had for his family.  He loved all of his kids equally but held a specially place in his heart for all of his grandkids.   Grandpa Sheldon always had time to play with dolls, lounge in the kiddie pool, teach woodworking and leathercraft or just hang out and take a nap with any one of the them, or all of them at the same time.  There wasn’t anything in the world that couldn’t be made better with a fishing trip, hunting trip or just a ride in the mountain with Grandpa. 

A lifelong outdoorsman, Sheldon would spend as much time in the mountains as his schedule would allow.   There wasn’t a fishing hole or hunting spot in Emery County Sheldon couldn’t tell you all about.  He always looked forward to trying a new fishing spot or bait.  To Sheldon the hunting draw results were better than Christmas morning.  He would happily share anything he knew or learned about the outdoors with anyone who would listen.  He was always surprised that his reputation as an outdoorsman preceded him in the public.  His favorite times in the outdoors were those that he shared with his family, both immediate and extended.  He always had a great hunting or fishing story to tell.  He was quick to make you laugh and always wanted to include everyone.  He didn’t even care if he was the punchline of the joke so long as you were laughing. 

He is survived by his loving wife Laurie of Cleveland.  His children Nancy Taylor (Roosevelt), Chris Taylor (Roosevelt), Shelli (Owen) Fillmore (Huntington), Mandi (Jeremiah) Jackson (Price), Kristi Guymon (Cleveland), Josh (Jen) Taylor (Cleveland).  His grandchildren Autem Jo Taylor, Jordyn Lee and Emma Jean Fillmore, Hannah Elizabeth Jackson, Shane Ralph, William Courtney and Nicole Ann Guymon, Kaylee Ann, Kyle John and Kenzie Lynne Taylor.  Brothers Larry (Ida Lou) Taylor, Lynn (Alice) Taylor, Jack Taylor, and Andy Nielsen.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

A viewing will be held Tuesday, August 8th, 2017 at Cleveland 2ND ward from 6:00-8:00 P.M.  Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 9TH, 2017 at Cleveland 2ND ward at 11:00 A.M. with a viewing from 10:00-10:45 A.M. prior to services.  Interment is in the Cleveland Cemetery entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home.  Family and friends may sign the guest book and share memories of Sheldon at www.heritagefuneralhomeutah.com.

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