Mathew Taylor

Mathew James Arlan Taylor, age 45, passed away at his home in Meridian on March 19, 2015. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2015, at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel, in Mountain Home. Cremation was under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.

Mat was born Aug. 1, 1969, to Brent and Susie Taylor. He resided in Glenns Ferry until he was four years old, and the family moved to Meridian.

Mat attended Meridian High School and participated in wrestling and track. Mat won the state championship three years in a row in the pole vault. He established a new record in the pole vault, which stood for a number of years.

As a senior, he was also named the Idaho State Gatorade Track Athlete of the Year. Mat was awarded a four year track scholarship at Boise State University. During his tenure at Boise State, Mat was a Big Sky Champion Pole Vaulter and a Communication Graduate.

After graduation, Mat was employed as a salesman for Micron International and most recently went into business for himself brokering insurances.

Mat's biggest joy in life was being the father of his two wonderful children, Grace and Beaux Taylor. He was devoted to his children and loved being a father. His favorite pastime was being an active spectator at his kids' many sports activities. Both kids provided him with endless bragging rights.

Mat is survived by his father, Brent Taylor of King Hill; his mother, Susie Taylor of Glenns Ferry; brother Mike Taylor and his wife, Kim, of Roswell, N.M.; sister Melissa Sluder of Meridian; nieces Gillie Taylor, Emily Taylor and Jordan Sluder; nephew Myles (Scooby) Taylor and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his best friend and brother, Mitch, and his brother in-law, Tom Sluder.

Donations in Mat's name can be sent to the Glenns Ferry Library, P.O. Box 910, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623.