Taylor L. Lanier, 66, of Elkhart, passed away on Monday, December 6, 2021, at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born on June 7, 1955, in Benton Harbor, MI to the late Robert Lee and Deltha Mae (Wilkins) Lanier.

Taylor is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Phyllis Lanier; children, Elena Arno, Amanda Arno, Mark (Kayla) Arno, Faye Axell, Hope (Kyran) Franks, Michael (Shawna) Arno; former spouse, Janay Peterson; their children, Nia (Takuma) Umoja, Aimee (Jabri) Johnson, Peggy Mitchell, and Rebecca Lanier; siblings, Willie (Birdie) Lanier Jr. of Benton Harbor, MI, Ruby McClung of Iowa, Ernest (Andrea) Lanier of New Mexico, Rosa (David) Haines of Tennessee, Nathaniel Lanier of Colorado, Dale Lanier of Arizona, and Jeffery (Gina) Lanier of Colorado. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Robert Lee Lanier Jr., James Edward Lanier, Arthur Ray Taylor, Emma Jean White, and Mamie Sue Lanier.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 13, 2021, from noon to 1 p.m. at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart with a service to follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Jeremy Sarber officiating. Taylor will be laid to rest at Prairie Street Cemetery in Elkhart with Military Honors to be rendered at the graveside service.

Taylor was a hardworking and kind man who served proudly in the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne Division. In his youth he attended Central Michigan University where he played as a quarterback for the Central Michigan Chippewas. He worked for Patrick Industries in Elkhart as a Tow Motor Driver for 6 years. Taylor was a kind and loving family man who enjoyed spending time with all his children and grandchildren. He was an outstanding cook who enjoyed cooking BBQ chicken for family cookouts. Taylor was an amazing dancer. He enjoyed dancing with his wife, Phyllis, and loved to sing classic R&B songs. He will be missed greatly by his loving family and many friends.