Obituary of Vernon Wade Taylor

Vernon Wade Taylor was born on July 14, 1979, in Chicago, Illinois to Debra Taylor and Vernon Easley. As a young boy, he moved with his mother to Monroe, Michigan where he attended Lincoln Elementary at Monroe Public Schools. Throughout his life, he returned to the “Windy City” many times to visit family. From a very early age, Vernon earned the nickname of “Pudge”, as he was a chubby little baby. His eccentric personality earned him many other nicknames over the years.

A proud father to his daughter, Mariah, Vernon was blessed with a second baby girl, Alexa, with his longtime girlfriend, Theresa. He later welcomed two grandsons into his life. Vernon absolutely adored the boys, who affectionately referred to him as “Papa Vern”.

Pudge considered himself the “Grill Master”. Although he tended to overcook the meat by some standards, he always insisted on manning the grill without anyone’s assistance. Pudge was sure to have the volume of his speakers to the max while cruising around listening to music.

Proud of his roots in “Chi-town”, Vernon cheered on the Chicago Bears football team. Vernon enjoyed watching action television and movies, naturally including all the “Chicago” series. Extremely outgoing, Pudge loved to talk and crack jokes, which earned him many friends. He was famous for his random catch phrases. Pudge was a selfless friend and family member who was known for being dependable and guaranteed to bring a good time.

Vernon Wade Taylor, age 44, of Monroe, Michigan passed away unexpectedly at ProMedica Toledo Hospital on Friday; March 22, 2024. His passing was preceded by his mother; his father; and a nephew: Ramonta Taylor.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his two daughters: Mariah (Jordan) Johnson and Alexa Taylor both of Monroe; his two beloved grandsons: Jordan and Jayden “Wade” Johnson; his girlfriend of twenty-one years: Theresa Moran; six sisters: Laronda Taylor (Irvin Small), Tanika Taylor, Denisha Taylor (Ronald Warren), Verna (Quavon) Terry, Carolyn Crawford, and Trina Gray; three brothers: Vernon Easley, Lwandale (Tanesha) Gray, and Von Gray; a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins; his best friends, whom Vernon considered his “brothers”: Jason Harris, Jesus Badillo, and Richard Jett; and his canine sidekick, “Big Boy”, a fourteen-year-old Yorkie.

Friends may gather on Friday; March 29, 2024 from 12:00pm until 2:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Homegoing Celebration of Vernon’s Life will follow at 2:00pm also at Merkle’s. Cremation will take place at the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation, of Erie, Michigan.

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