Richard C. "Rick" Taylor, age 78 of Manistee, MI, died Monday night, December 9, 2024 at the Munson Healthcare Paul Oliver Hospital in Frankfort, MI.

He was born on October 16, 1946 min Ludington, Michigan, the son of the late Robert and Esther (Christensen) Taylor. He was a graduate of Ludington High School with the class of 1962. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from July 22, 1964 until October 13, 1967. After his release from the Navy, Rick was employed at the Morton Salt Company, and began working his way through college, and attending West Shore Community College and receiving his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. He then continued his education and attended Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, where he received his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. He then was employed with the City of Manistee Police Department for 29 ½ years until his retirement. He married Connie C. Krusniak on August 9, 1968 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee, MI. After his retirement he also was employed at the Little River Casino, of Manistee, for 13 years, in their security department.

He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish of Manistee and the Michigan Police Officers Association. In his spare time, Rick enjoyed Running, Walking, biking especially mountain biking, playing racquetball and golf, swimming and body surfing.

He is survived by his wife of over 56 years, Connie C. Taylor of Manistee, MI, his son and his fiancé, Aaron Taylor and Jenna Essenyi both of Grand Rapids, MI, and Aaron's children, Emma, Lily and Blake, his daughter and son in-law, Shannon and Ryan Vallier of Vicksburg, MI, and their children, A.J., Braylen and Bo. Two brothers and sister's in-law, Rev. Kim Robert and Melody Taylor of Tucson, AZ, and Mark William and Sherri Taylor of Marco Island, FL, his brother in-law and sister in-law, Harlan "Dassy" and Debra Krusniak both of Manistee, MI. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.

Rick was also preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Esther (Christensen) Taylor and by his father in-law and mother in-law, Floyd "Frycakes" and Helen (Soller) Krusniak.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee, with Reverend James Bearss celebrant. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Manistee, where the members of the Manistee County United Veterans Council Ritual Squad will give Military Honors. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday morning, one hour prior to the funeral mass. A funeral luncheon will follow at the Divine Mercy Parish Center, after the graveside services.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.