Celebration of Life honors Marine Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover

MIDVALE, Utah — A Celebration of Life for fallen Marine Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover was held Saturday evening at Hillcrest High School.

All military members, both past and present, along with all Gold Star families were recognized at the beginning of the service. 

Quiet and a teddy bear

During the service, Hoover was described by family and friends as quiet and a teddy bear. They also talked of the love he had for his family. Sean Hoover, Taylor’s uncle, read the obituary and thanked the community for the support they have shown the family.

A 20-year friend of Hoover shared a memory of him when they were both 16 years of age, and she had run him over with a car. It was the first of two times that she accidentally ran him over

She also talked about Hoover being there when her father passed away in 2014. He was the first phone call she made, and he was on the first flight to Salt Lake City.

High character

Everett Ika, a football coach of Hoover’s, talked about the kind of character Hoover possessed. The coach could tell the kind of man he was going to become.

Hoover’s fiancé shared memories from their first date. In addition, she also mentioned their favorite times together were spent at home talking and watching TV. 

Hoover was one of 13 U.S. military members killed on Aug. 26 in a suicide bombing at the Kabul, Afghanistan Airport.

The final resting place for Hoover is in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

Read more:

• Utah Marine among the dead from Kabul airport attack
• Gov. Cox orders flags lowered to honor Utah marine killed in Afghanistan
• Family, friends gather at Capitol for vigil to honor Taylor Hoover

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