Christopher Thomas Taylor

     Christopher Thomas Taylor, age 61, of Laingsburg, Michigan, passed away Friday, September 11, 2026, at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, Michigan.
     Per his wishes, cremation will take place and there will be no services.
     Chris was born in St. Johns, Michigan, on July 1, 1965, the son of Thomas and Charlotte (Petro) Taylor. Chris was a hands-on, hardworking man who could fix just about anything. He loved to “putter” around in his garage, where he was always working on a project or helping someone with theirs. His garage was open to anyone who needed a hand with a vehicle, whether it was changing brakes, changing the oil, or figuring out a problem. He enjoyed fixing things, but even more, he enjoyed helping people.
     Chris had a lifelong love of racing and was especially known for his crazy figure 8 bus driving in the Liquid Web bus at Spartan Speedway in Mason. NASCAR and racing were a regular fixture on his television, and he was also a proud Michigan fan.
     He loved the outdoors and being on the water. He enjoyed snowmobiling, four-wheeling, hunting, fishing, golfing, and spending time on the lake. Some of his favorite days were spent pulling friends and family on tubes, taking sunset cruises with Monica, fishing, staying at a marina, or simply enjoying a Busch Light in the sunshine. He also enjoyed traveling, from the beaches of Key West to the mountains of Tennessee and the deserts of Arizona, where his mother and sister lived. He especially loved hunting and fishing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where his father lived for many years.
     Chris was known for his goofy personality, quick wit, and endless supply of clever comebacks. He was freakishly good at foosball, had a soft spot for Minions from Despicable Me, and somehow always seemed to have another koozie. He enjoyed Sunday trips to the Watershed for what he affectionately called “glorified Bloody Mary’s,” and he shared a love of sushi with his daughter.
     More than anything, Chris cared about his family and the people in his life. He was the kind of person who would stop by to check on someone or visit them in the hospital after work just to let them know he was thinking about them. He was especially excited to become a grandfather and was a proud and loving grandpa to Lainey and Bentley. He looked forward to passing along the things he knew and loved to them.
     One of the things that perfectly captured his sense of humor was a favorite shirt he continued to wear during his final days. In big, bold letters, it read: “Wanna do boat stuff?”  It was quintessential Chris—goofy, simple, and always ready for the next adventure.
     Chris will be deeply missed by his daughter, Shelby and Josh Hill; significant other, Monica Butler; sister, Cam Stoltenberg; grandchildren, Lainey and Bentley Hill; and blended family through marriage, step-mother, Judy Taylor; step-sister, Judy Delano. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas “Tom” Taylor; his mother, Charlotte Taylor; and his brother-in-law, Dan Stoltenberg.
     Any donations may be made to The American Legion in Chris’ hometown of Laingsburg, MI. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.