Taylor R. Garner

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we share the passing of a truly remarkable individual, whose kindness, thoughtfulness and laughter touched the lives of all who knew him. Taylor Robert Garner, age 43, of St. Charles, found his peace in the arms of the Everlasting Father on Tuesday November 7, 2023. Taylor fully embodied a life well lived. Lovingly known as "he with a Capital T" and "Tree", he exemplified himself as a selfless mentor, the best husband, most loving father, and unwavering follower of Christ.
Taylor was born December 28, 1979, in York, PA and grew up in Hummelstown, PA. He was a born leader, a founding member of the Green Briar Bandits, known as GBB, which is a band of neighborhood friends who have since become lifelong friends. Their rallying calls still can be heard in the neighborhood in the still of the night. Taylor had a zest for adventure that included attending Baltimore Oriole games with his dad. He had a knack for cooking and while working in the restaurant industry, he learned how to become an amazing chef himself. Taylor had a genuine interest in people and spent countless hours spending time with friends and family. Taylor had a love for all music. He could be found strumming his fingers, noodling on one of his favorite tunes or with a guitar in his hand. Taylor was a passionate Phish and Grateful Dead fan. He was forever planning ways to go, see and hear all his favorite bands, over and over again. Remarkably, he had the gift and ability to hear a Phish tune and recall exactly when it was played, including what venue and what year.
He was a graduate of Lower Dauphin High School, Hummelstown, PA class of 1998. In 2002, he earned a BS in Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management from East Stroudsburg University. In 2005, he completed his formal education with an MBA from the Penn State Smeal College of Business. Taylor possessed a passion to dream BIG and to make those dreams happen. Taylor excelled at everything he did and everywhere he worked. He was a gifted leader and found himself in roles where he would be involved in training, mentoring others and director roles. He received great joy from helping others find and develop their passion and talents. He felt called to the firm, Edward Jones, where he began his most rewarding professional endeavor as a Financial Advisor beginning in December 2012. His true passion was the clients he guided and cared for, and the fellow advisors he worked with. Taylor had found his place in this world and was proud to be and represent Edward Jones completing certifications to include CFP and ABFP. Taylor remained an integral part of Edward Jones, earning the title of Regional Leader and General Partner.
Taylor is survived by his wife Natalie, and their three beautiful children, Gabriel, Blake, and Berkley. He was an amazing husband, his wife's biggest, best encourager and her rock. He was a wonderful dad and spent countless hours pouring love and care into his kids on a daily basis. Taylor often shared his passion for music with his family and faithfully planned annual trips to Jubilee Music Festival with Gabe. Taylor's light shone brightest beside a campfire, at music festivals or while adventuring in a camper with his family. He was always up for a road trip, camping "with the Tribe", music concerts and music festivals, Cubs games, or to simply belly up to the bar for a good beer and a "wing". Taylor was forever in search of the perfect chicken wing, not breaded and with the right Blue Cheese. A stellar cook, he had mastered the art of French Onion Soup, Beef Wellington and managed the entire cooking process singlehandedly for Thanksgiving Day festivities. He was just amazing. Taylor was an active member of Christ Community Church, South Elgin, where he served in many roles such as KidsWorld, Financial Piece ministry, GO TEAMS and as Trustee. Taylor's faith was all-encompassing, his road map. He was a servant of his beliefs with a passion to travel to the Nations, having completed mission trips in Brazil and Haiti. He was passionate about the mission field and desired to continue to GO, SEE and DO. He had planned to take our oldest son on his first mission trip to Nicaragua and looked forward to the day that could happen.
In addition to his wife and children, Taylor is survived by his parents, Michael (Marti) Garner and Charmaine Garner, siblings Julie Garner (Dave Bobeck), Libby (Josh) Hunking, Kelly (Russ) Dunkle, Derrick (Erin) Sullivan, a multitude of extended family members, and many countless friends.
Taylor had the incredible ability to live in the moment, yet still be ten steps ahead of everyone. With a guitar in his hand, God in his heart, and his family behind him, he was invincible. He let his light shine uninhibited and was always "Living the Dream." Just ask him, and that would be his response, he loved to share that with others. Taylor Garner was a gift, a true joy and will be missed greatly.
Please join his family in celebrating Taylor's extraordinary life at Christ Community Church, 820 S. Randall Rd., South Elgin. Both services will be held at Christ Community Church. We would love for you to join us. Visitation will be Friday, November 17th from 3 pm to 6 pm A Celebration of a Life Well Lived Memorial Service in his honor is Saturday, November 18th at 10 am. In the event that you are unable to attend in person, please visit https://ccclife.org/memorial/. There is a Live Stream Link, under Taylor's Obituary, that will allow you to watch the service. Please note all times are Central Standard Time.
In honor of Taylor and his desire to go to Nicaragua with Gabe, the family has created a fund specific for International Impact ministries to fulfill this wish and make this trip happen. Natalie, Taylor's wife, and Mike, Taylor's father, will accompany Gabe on a mission trip to Nicaragua in the near future. All monies collected will be used to support this trip and help send them to the Nations in Taylor's honor. The family asks for any memorial contributions directed to http://spot.fund/g499zsc