John Matthew Taylor

John Matthew Taylor of Fife Lake passed away from a heart attack on August 9, 2024 at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center. He was 48. Matt was born October 24, 1975 in Cadillac, Michigan. He graduated from Cadillac High School in 1994 and earned his mechanical engineering degree from Ferris State University. Matt served honorably in the United States Army for 13 years, many of which were spent at the Armory in Cadillac attached to the 1/126thArmor Unit. He was also deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III and was a decorated combat veteran for his service overseas. Matt was currently employed at Avon Protection Systems. Matt spent the majority of his life in the Cadillac area, sticking close to family and friends. On June 10, 2006 he married the love of his life, Amanda Kay Hansen, who survives him along with his beloved children: Abigail Jean and John Gabriel; his father, John F. Taylor; mother, Joyce Rennay Morrison; siblings: Joshua Taylor, Erin (Curtis) Lizotte; niece and nephew, Dillon and Ruby Lizotte, all of Cadillac; mother-in-law, Deb Kirkland; father in-law Jerry Hansen, in-laws: Michelle (Ross) Coalson; niece and nephew Cassie and Logan (Marlee) Coalson, Paul (Tracy) Hansen and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his fraternal grandparents John Ernest Jr. and Helen Taylor and maternal grandparents Matthew and Betty Morrison. Matt enjoyed many special traditions with family and friends including hunting camp on Drummond Island, fishing trips on Lake Michigan, the local Trout Unlimited Banquet, shooting, biking, cooking, and motorcycles. Matt had many beloved dogs, including Bandit, Sargeant and Geist who preceded him in death and were surely waiting to greet him in Heaven. Matt loved figuring out how things worked, from motors to clocks, he could fix almost anything. He was a natural leader, incredibly intelligent, and enjoyed many workplace and academic successes. While Matt excelled professionally, he most valued the people in his life. He put family and friends above all else and was a constant source of guidance, compassion, protection and love. He was a man of unwavering integrity, excellent judgment and had a servant’s heart. These combined characteristics made him a cherished pillar of support that loomed large in so many peoples’ lives. He was loved immeasurably by many, and the world was made brighter for having him in it. Friends may meet the family Wednesday August 14 from 5-7 PM for visitation at Peterson Funeral & Cremation Services in Cadillac. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 15, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church in Cadillac with Pastor Mike Horlocker officiating. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Cadillac. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pine River Area Chapter of Trout Unlimited (PO BOX 624, Cadillac, MI 49601). An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

John Matthew Taylor

October 24, 1975 - August 9, 2024