Lt. John Russell Taylor

John Russell Taylor, age 60, of Altoona, Iowa, passed away on Monday, February 9, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.

Born on April 13, 1965, in Des Moines, Iowa, John was the son of Marilyn Young and Russ Taylor. He graduated from Martensdale-St. Marys High School and proudly entered the United States Army in 1986. His time in the Army laid the foundation for a distinguished and deeply respected 25-year career with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, where he retired in 2022 as a Lieutenant.

John was admired not only for his strong work ethic and unwavering dedication, but for the kind of leader he chose to be; steady, loyal, fair, and fiercely committed to those he served alongside. He earned the respect of his colleagues and the community through his integrity, quiet strength, and ability to lead with both confidence and compassion. And, of course, his quick wit and unforgettable sense of humor ensured there was always laughter, even on the hardest days.

Outside of his career, John had many passions but at the top of the list was his love for anything fast, especially his Shelby GT350R. Retirement gave him the chance to trade long shifts for front-row seats at his grandchildren’s sporting events, time spent with his beloved four-legged companions, and countless moments surrounded by the people he loved most.

John will be remembered for his unwavering strength, generosity, loyalty, and deep devotion to his family. He lived boldly, loved fiercely, and left an imprint on everyone, fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his partner of 22 years, Melissa Nittler-Porter; his son, Jake (Jenna) Taylor; his daughter, Jaime (Doug) Sellars; his stepdaughters, Kynsie (Travis) Anderson and Kealie (Joey) Mancino; and his stepson, Keaton Rogers. He was a proud grandfather to Kooper, Jaxon, Phoenix, Mason, Bearow, Lenox, Odin, Wren, Memphis, and Hattie, and great-grandfather to Klayton; his sister, MaryLynn Yossett.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Marilyn and Russ, and his beloved four-legged friend, Jasmine.

Family, friends, and all whose lives John touched are invited to gather at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home; 5400 SW 9th Street, for visitation on Wednesday, February 18, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with funeral services to follow on Thursday, February 19, at 2:00 p.m.

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