Richard Don (Rick) Taylor, age 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 16, 2025, in St. George, Utah, surrounded by family.
Rick was born on August 18, 1945, in Payson, Utah. He was the firstborn son of Don Arlo Taylor and Shirley Hawkins Taylor. His dad, Don, was sailing on the Pacific Ocean, serving in the US Navy during WWII, when Rick was born. Don would not meet his son until late November 1945, but Shirley’s dad, Clinton Merl Hawkins, filled in for him until he was discharged from the Navy.
Rick grew up in Benjamin and Spanish Fork, Utah, where he enjoyed a wonderful childhood filled with lots of love and fun. He was the oldest grandson of Clinton Merl and Winnie Hansen Hawkins. His grandpa, Clint, was with Rick at birth, so Rick became the “apple of his grandpa’s eye”. Rick was also spoiled by all of his grandparents, including Grandpa John Franklin Taylor and Grandma Effie Mae Hanks Taylor. He spent a lot of time with his grandparents and cousins during his growing-up years. Rick received his education in the Spanish Fork schools and graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1963. In his senior year, he was elected Student Body President of the new Spanish Fork High School. Rick was involved in Athletics, Student Government, and Music.
Rick was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a mission to the Southern Australian Mission, where he met many lifelong friends. He served in many church positions during his life. Rick loved serving the community of Spanish Fork, where he was involved in junior athletics, stock shows, civic service, and working with the youth. He loved being a Scout Master to so many fine young men. He was known for his coaching and umpiring skills throughout the community.
Rick worked in the business world in banking and then was successful in building one of the fastest-growing companies in Utah, Marathon Waste, from 1998 to 2001.
Rick loved horses, cattle, farming, and the soil. In 1986, Rick took up running. He loved his running groups and the friendships that he made while running 54 marathons, 137 half marathons, and he ran more than 45,000 miles throughout his running days.
Rick loved golf, hunting, fishing, camping, and exploring the back reaches of wild country. He loved the cabin in Loafer Canyon.
Rick married Anna Lee Watts, and they were blessed with two wonderful children, Jared Don and Renerah Lee. They divorced, and he later married Laura Hamblin. They divorced, and he married LaRue Elkins. They also later divorced.
Rick is survived by his son Jared Taylor, his daughter Renerah (Dustin) Merett, a brother Michael S. (Bonnie) Taylor, a sister Sherilyn Taylor (Mike) Shelley, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Don A. and Shirley H. Taylor, and infant brother Clinton Kay Taylor, grandparents Clint and Winnie Hawkins, and John and Effie Taylor.
A graveside service and celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 10 AM at the Benjamin City Cemetery under the direction of Walker Mortuary. Interment in the Benjamin Cemetery.
Special thanks to Rick’s caregivers, nurses, doctors, neighbors, and friends, who went the “extra mile” in caring for him. Rick’s greatest ability was to associate with people, young and old.