Our wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, Talmage Taylor, peacefully passed from this life on March 29, 2016.

His loving wife, Veniece, and beloved son, Sheldon, preceded him in death.

Talmage was born on August 27, 1923. He enjoyed growing up in Fremont, Utah. He was the fifth of 15 children born to Dorothy May Morrell and Glen Ellison Taylor. Talmage loved growing up on the farm and had wonderful memories of his happy childhood. He enjoyed working hard in the early mornings, milking and herding cows before school.

On March 31, 1944, following his 18th birthday, Talmage entered the United States Marine Corps. He served faithfully in World War II. He fought in the battle of Okinawa, and valiantly fulfilled his duty in the Occupation of China after the war.

When he returned from the war, Talmage met and married the love of his life, Veniece Spencer, in the Manti LDS Temple on March 28, 1947. Together they were blessed with four beautiful children: Marilynn (Dallas) Valentine, Debra (Paul) Barney, Sheldon (Jennifer) Taylor, Patrice (Doug) Worlton, 19 grandchildren, and 38 great-grandchildren. Being with their children and grandchildren was among the many high points of their lives.

Education was very important to Talmage. He earned his Bachelor and Masters Degrees from Utah State University in Education. He loved his career choice. He worked as a teacher and School Administrator in various school districts in the state of Utah and as School Superintendent of Millard School District. He successfully retired from the Jordan School District.

Talmage served in many church callings throughout his life. He served in the Bishopric, as Sunday School President, as High Priest Group Leader, and as a dedicated home teacher. Together, Dad and Mom were temple workers in the Jordan River Temple for 23 years. They were also valiant missionaries in the Zimbabwe, South Africa Mission. They forever loved the missionaries and saints they served in Africa.

We as a family would like to thank the staff at North Canyon Care Center and Summit Hospice of Utah for the wonderful kindness and constant care they provided Dad during his stay.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Crescent 8th Ward Chapel, 2080 E. 11530 So., Sandy, Utah. Friends may visit family Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Larkin Sunset Gardens, Sandy, Utah.

Services entrusted to Lindquist's Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah.