Lester LaMar Taylor of Evanston, who was born Nov. 26, 1941, passed peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by his beloved wife and family on Wednesday, April 1, at the age of 78. LaMar was born in Ogden, Utah, to Lester Oren Taylor and Maude (Workman) Taylor. LaMar married the love of his life, Sarah Marie (Collett) Taylor, on June 19, 1964, in Evanston. LaMar was a proud Marine, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1959-1962.
He cherished spending time with family and friends by sharing the many special stories of his life’s adventures. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and horseback riding. He particularly loved training and working with his many horses and wild mustangs while remembering fondly the times he spent bareback bronc riding in rodeos in Hawaii, Wyoming and Utah.
He worked as an underground miner for 43 years, retiring Sept. 1, 2007, from FMC Westvaco Underground Trona Mine near Green River. He shared a unique bond and comradery with his fellow miners.
In retirement years, he enjoyed watching the community grow by keeping up with and monitoring the growth and change in his “town,” tracking progress on construction projects and erection of new buildings. LaMar loved spending time at Bear River State Park watching buffalo, elk and other wildlife. During spring and calving season, he would drive through the park daily to see the newborn babies as the numbers in the herds grew. He enjoyed watching the frolicking young animals. Dad cherished relationships with local community members that were fostered while participating in these activities.
He is survived by his adoring wife, Sarah; his seven children: son, Clinton Thayne Taylor and wife Heather (Bills) Taylor of Farmington, New Mexico; daughter, Jennice Collette Hoggatt and husband Larry M. Hoggatt of Evanston; son, Clayton Craig Taylor and wife Krista (Macioszek) Taylor of Green River; son, Charles “Chuck” Oren Taylor and wife Nikki Taylor of Evanston; Calob LaMar Taylor and wife Tia (Johns) Taylor of Cheyenne; Christopher Jason Taylor and wife Renee (Fox) Taylor of Casper; and son, Cameron Zachary Taylor and wife Katie (Ormond) Taylor of Spring, Texas.
Grandpa Big “T,” aka Grandpa LaMar, had a special love for his 26 grandchildren (with one more on the way) and 16 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by Loretta (sister) and her husband Terry Jones of Ogden, Utah; Noreen (sister) and her husband Dick Borino of St. George, Utah; Carolyn Rickert (Sister) of Opal; sister-in-law, Paula Wall of Green River; and many beloved nieces and nephews
LaMar was preceded in death by parents, Maude Workman Taylor and Lester and Velma (Kiddy) Taylor; siblings, Elaine Taylor, Leslie Dale Taylor, Connie Lawson, Doug Wall, Ralph Duane Taylor and Tom Wall; grandchild, Alexandra Taylor; and many aunts and uncles.
A family viewing was be held at 10 a.m., followed by private services at 11 a.m. at Crandall Funeral Home on Monday, April 6. Attendance for these services was limited to immediate family only due to the extraordinary circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health risks. Therefore, in order to accommodate remaining family and friends the service was live streamed at https://www.crandallfhevanston.com/obituary/Lester-Taylor.
Following the private service, the funeral procession left Crandall Funeral Home and proceeded through Bear River State Park. As the procession traveled through the park, we were thankful to have a “honk” and “wave” as we openly invited all who had the desire to join.
Events reconvened in Fort Bridger. The interment followed at Fort Bridger Cemetery. Anyone wishing to pay final respects to LaMar were welcomed to join the procession leaving Crandall Funeral Home, then joined for the graveside service, respecting social distances.
Condolences may be made at www.crandallfhevanston.com.
