Gayland C. "Josh" Taylor

Gayland C. ‘Josh” Taylor passed away on January 11, 2026. He was born July 13,1941 in Thatcher, Idaho to Joshua and Leah Taylor. They moved to Clifton, Idaho when he was six years old. He learned the value of hard work, along with his sister and four brothers, on the farm. In school, he was the president of the FFA and was voted the most likely to succeed as a farmer. Even though he didn’t choose that career path, he was always known for his green thumb which was evident in his amazing garden. He married his high school sweetheart, Karen Baxter on September 25,1959. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan Utah temple. Gayland and Karen made their home in the heart of Preston, Idaho, where they raised their nine children.

He spent most of his life as a butcher, starting the curing department at Tri Miller in Hyrum, Utah. He worked at Hubbard Packing, OP Skaggs, and Stokes. He served 41 years on the Franklin County Fire Department and 37 years on the ambulance crew along with Karen. They volunteered as medics at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake at the Bobsled and Skeleton.

Gayland was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He cared, loved and quietly served everyone wherever he could. He served in a number of callings, including temple worker, counselor in the bishopric, Elders quorum president, ward and stake missionary, scout master, cub scout leader. He loved scouting and being with the young men and taught by example.

His hobbies include spending time with family, hunting, fishing, camping and being outdoors.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joshua and Leah Taylor, brothers, Bill and Howard Taylor, two sons, G. Michael and Brian Taylor, granddaughter, Morgan, and a brother-in-law, Paul Steck, He leaves behind his wife, Karen, children, Corey Taylor (Linda), Pam Allen (Kevin), Leon Taylor (Debbie). Amber Creger, Penny Matthews (Clint), Shane Taylor (Yesenia), and Amy Teeter (Andy), many grandchildren and great grandchildren (102 total posterity), sister, Karen Steck (Paul), brothers, Dennis (Cora Jean) and Alan (Christine), and sisters-in-law, Lucy (Bill) and Dawn (Howard).

The family would like to thank those who provided care over the past few months, including those at Logan Regional, IMC, and the hospice staff. So much appreciation for the love, respect and time spent. A special thank you to Jeneil Blanch and Thelma Roley, Shannon McCabe and Dawn Taylor. Also all the friends and family who called or came to visit and spend time with him. He felt your love and was always grateful.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Preston 5th-8th Ward building at 213 South 200 East in Preston, Idaho at 1:00 PM. Viewings will be held Friday night 6:00 - 8:00 and Saturday morning 11:30 am -12:30 pm both at the church. Interment will be at the Preston Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com

The services will be streamed live and may be watched on Saturday at 1 p.m. (MST) by clicking on the following link:

https://youtube.com/live/XuDcEjYHgr0?feature=share