Dylan Matthew Taylor

2004 - 2021

Dylan Matthew Taylor of Smyrna, Delaware, passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at his home, at the much too early age of 16.

A kind, quiet, "gentle giant," Dylan was a sensitive soul who meant the world to the people around him. Inquisitive, quick-witted and often quite silly, Dylan was a young man on the verge of starting his life, and he will forever be remembered by those who loved him.
Born in Owensboro, KY on March 15, 2004, Dylan's early childhood was spent happily exploring the outdoors in the rural community of Hartford, riding on his grandfather's tractor at every opportunity. As an active toddler, it was common for him to join his dad at football practice, attempting to pick up 5 lb medicine balls to "help" the players work out.

When his family moved to Hershey, PA, to work as house parents at the Milton Hershey School, Dylan was 4 years old. He basked in the excitement of being around dozens of older boys – trying to keep up with all of his "big brothers."
As much fun as he had with the boys, he was closest to his big sister, Emily Taylor. Together, Emily and Dylan have spent countless hours playing, teasing, and watching movies and shows, including all of the Marvel movies. They loved to tell each other bad jokes and puns, and Dylan always made a point to make sure his sister was always laughing.

Following Hershey, Dylan lived in Bowling Green, KY, for a short while before moving to Smyrna at the age of 14. There, he attended middle and high school in the Smyrna school district, where he excelled at history. His favorite class was agricultural mechanics, studying the art and science of big engines and machines (and the welder, of course).

Dylan loved cars from a very early age, no doubt sparked by the many toy trucks and tractors given to him by his grandfathers. As a pre-schooler, he could tell you the make and model of all the cars passing as you drove down the road. His sisters would often call him from miles away to help with any car problems they had, and he always knew how to help.

Dylan was in the middle of building a Fox body Mustang hot rod with his dad and grandfather when he passed. His family will hold dear the thought of the joy he would have had when he drove it for the first time.

Dylan was also an aspiring chef – a talent he gained from both his mother and his father. His signature dishes were orange olive oil cake and corn casserole, but he was happiest eating pizza and burgers.

Like many teenagers, Dylan enjoyed gaming with his friends and family. He also loved to play poker, carrying his own chips and cards. He had pride in working at McDonald's to save up for his first car.

Dylan is survived by his father David Michael Taylor, mother Jennifer Lynn Taylor and sisters Emily Taylor and Lulu Howard. His grandparents Patti and Jimmy Boone, Sherry Seeney, David & Ellen Taylor, Greg Dixon, Kimm Dixon, and aunts, uncles and cousins all loved him very much.

Services were held on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Faries Funeral Home.

In remembrance of Dylan's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Mental Health Association in Delaware and/or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.