It is with deep sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Donald Dean (Don) Taylor, Jr., 47, of Seminole, TX, on May 8, 2026, in Grants, NM.

Born July 22, 1978, in Grants, NM, Don was the oldest son of Donald Taylor, Sr. and Janice (Taylor) Ward.

Don was proceeded in death, by his Grandparents Dean and Shirly Taylor of San Rafeal, NM; Billy Dee and Edith Marie Walker of San Rafeal, NM; Father, Don Taylor, Sr. and Uncle Ron Taylor of San Rafeal, NM, Step-Father Donald Ward, Sr. of Bluewater, NM and Nephew, Austin Ward, of Bluewater, NM.

Don's early life was spent with his Grandparents Dean and Shirley Taylor, where he learned the value of hard work, integrity and the skills to become a Master Welder and fabricator. All these traits served him well during his many years of auto dirt track racing, which has endured over 4 generations of the Taylor men. Don's motto was "Get up, get dressed and do your best". Don spent 20 years with Stewart Brothers Drilling Company when he retired as a Tool Pusher. Don always said the best gift he received from Stewart Brothers was meeting his wife, Valerie. They shared an unbreakable bond for 16 years. Don switched careers and went to work for Waste Management (WM) and held the position of District Manager 2 for the Hobbs, NM and Dexter, NM sites. Kindness and courtesy are the first things that come to mind when Don met someone. He was determined to provide the best customer service and help anyone in his WM family. While Don worked hard at his business, he was first and foremost a family man. A call every night to his mother, to share the events of the day; calls to his children, sisters and bothers to keep up with family events and help when he could. Don loved talking to people and telling some type of historical event that could be tied to the conversation. Don enjoyed life and loved to laugh, and he shared that gift with everyone he met.

Don is survived by his mother, Janice Ward of Bluewater, NM, his wife, Valerie Taylor, of Seminole, TX, his son, Darrell Taylor of Albuquerque, NM, daughter, Brenna Hayes, of Bakersfield, CA and son and his wife, Jared and Alexandra Hayes of Dripping Springs, TX, his sister Sandra (Taylor) Miles and her husband Chris Miles of Milan, NM, Jessica Ward of Bluewater, NM and brothers Chase Taylor of Grants, NM and Don (Ty) Ward , Jr. of Bluewater, NM. Aunts and Uncles, Deborah Scott of Norton, KS, Linda and her husband Roger Clark of Puyallup, WA, Serina Lake of Goodland, KS, Robert Taylor of Belgrade, MT. Five grandchildren, Bailey, Derrick, Ava, Fallon, and Kaiya. Ten nieces and nephews, Dakota, Damion, Haven, Kristian, John, Maggie, Addison, Brianne, Nicole, and Abby.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Trinity Baptist Church, Seminole, TX at 10:00 am. Burial will follow in the Gaines County Memorial Cemetery, (North Cemetery) US Hwy 62, Seminole, TX

Funeral Schedule

When: Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 10:00 am

Where: Service - Trinity Baptist Church, 500 SW 8th Street, Seminole, TX 79360

Burial - Gaines County Memorial Cemetery (North Cemetery) US Hwy 62,

Seminole, TX 79360

Funeral Home:Boyer Funeral Home, 410 NW 21 Street, Seminole, TX 79360.

Phone (432) 758-5440

Web Site: https:boyerfuneralhome.net

Hotel: Best Western, 308 S. Main Street, Seminole, TX 79360. Phone (432) 955-6200

Let know you are with the Taylor Funeral

"Although the body of a great man has left this earth,

his kindness and laughter will remain in our hearts."