Michael Dixon Taylor

July 7, 1998 - February 24, 2022

Michael Dixon Taylor, 23, of Pleasant Grove, Utah, passed away February 24, 2022, after a lengthy battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma Cancer. Michael was born in Provo, Utah at Utah Valley Hospital July 7, 1998, to M. Harvey Taylor and Janet Dixon Taylor. He grew up in Pleasant Grove, Utah where he attended Mount Mahogany Elementary, Pleasant Grove Jr. High, and Pleasant Grove High School. He graduated from Pleasant Grove High School in 2016. Michael was a happy, friendly, mischievous little boy. He was the third of four sons, and reluctantly gave up his spot as baby of the family when his little brother came along. Michael was reserved until you got to know him. He was quick witted with the best one-liners at just the right time. He had a close circle of childhood friends who moved through high school with him and are still in his life. Their visits during the hard times brought him a lot of comfort. In July of 2010 and 2011, Michael served with his family in the Nauvoo Pageant family cast in Nauvoo, Illinois. It was a memorable experience that helped his personal testimony grow. In 2018 He was called to serve as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Texas, San Antonio Spanish-speaking mission. He served for six weeks as a zone leader in the Missionary Training Center but returned home due to cancer relapse before reaching his mission. Although brief, he remained grateful for the opportunity to serve, and for the mission companions he had there. Michael married his childhood sweetheart Katie Decker on August 29, 2020. They enjoyed the first few months of newlywed life in Provo, then moved back home to Pleasant Grove. He was always happiest with Katie. They loved each other dearly and impatiently await the day they can be together again. Michael was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings in the church in his youth. He had strong faith and an unshaking testimony until the end. He was not hesitant to speak of his love and gratitude for his Savior. Michael was an example to all of patience and longsuffering. Although he experienced pain, discouragement, and lost opportunities, Michael did not give in to bitterness or resentment. His concern always turned to those around him, especially his wife. All were inspired by his example of strength and faith in adversity. Michael never lost his smile or sense of humor. He fought the good fight and never lost faith. We would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and technicians at Primary Children’s Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Institute, and Intermountain Home Health and Hospice. We are grateful for their loving care and concern for Michael throughout his cancer treatments that extended his life and allowed him to achieve some important life goals. Michael is survived by his wife Katie Decker Taylor; parents M. Harvey and Janet Taylor; brothers Evan, Matthew (Hisadora), and Aaron; Grandmother Velma Whetten Taylor; father and mother in-law Clayton and Misty Smith; sisters in-law Kelsey (Tyson) Austin, Mandi Decker, and Makenzie Smith, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, paternal grandfather and three cousins. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 5th, at 12:00 noon, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 455 East 200 South, Pleasant Grove, Utah, where Viewings will be held Friday, March 4th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and prior to services on Saturday from 10:00 to 11:30 am . Interment in Pleasant Grove City Cemetery. To view services via livestream click on the following link: https://youtu.be/oDtbrbPHCck