Thaylon L Davis

Thaylon L Davis, age 58, passed away on 21 April 2026, in West Jordan, Utah. He was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on 10 January 1968, the youngest of nine children born to Ralph and Jeanine (Maxwell) Davis. Even as a child, Thaylon was an especially resourceful and hardworking individual. As a little boy, he would search for pretty rocks along the road and set up a stand to sell them. When he got a little older, he moved up to work in the local fireworks stand, eventually graduating to the grocery store.

Following his graduation from Shelley High School in 1986, Thaylon served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Canada Vancouver Mission. Throughout his life, he embodied the principles he taught there, viewing every day as an opportunity to serve his Heavenly Father and those around him. He volunteered throughout his life in hospitals, food banks, and shelters. He visited those in hospitals and care centers, particularly those who had no one to visit them. He was the first to volunteer for any type of needed service.

Thaylon attended Ricks College and later graduated from BYU with a degree in Molecular Biology. His career in research and clinical trials for Myriad Genetics demonstrated that, to him, science and faith were not at odds; they were two ways of admiring the same Creator. As a teacher at Salt Lake Community College, Thaylon sparked a love for discovery in his students, just as he did at home with his children. He leaves behind countless students, friends, and a family taught by his example to be curious about the world and deeply kind to the people in it.

On 27 March 1999, Thaylon was sealed to his sweetheart, Kristine Thurgood, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they led their family through many years of joy and trial with good humor, resilience, and great personal sacrifice. Thaylon was a true character. His family loved his dry sense of humor and quick wit. He knew how to make everyone laugh, even if some of his practical jokes got out of hand. To those who knew him best, he was their own personal Seinfeld. He was a fun, wonderful uncle to his many nieces and nephews and a master of the dad joke, bringing a smile to any situation and teaching his family that life should be approached with a light heart.

Thaylon had a great love for the outdoors. He could often be found running in the mornings, taking his mountain bike to the trails near his home, or heading up the canyons to ski.

Preceded in death by his father, Ralph Davis, and brother, Brian Davis. Thaylon is survived by his mother, Jeanine Maxwell Anderson; his wife, Kristine; his five children: Brayden (Amber) Davis, Cameron (Rachel) Davis, Jordan Davis (Avery Allen), Carson Davis, and Teagan Davis; and his siblings: Daren (Debbie) Davis, Shari Miller, Garlyn (Jill) Davis, Carlie (Berk) Buttars, Krayton (Misty) Davis, Laurine (Lou) Riepl, and Reuel (Renee) Davis.

We find deep peace in the knowledge that Thaylon now rests in our Savior's healing embrace. Please join us in honoring his life of selfless service. A viewing will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM with funeral services on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:45 AM at 7337 S Grizzly Way, West Jordan, Utah. Interment at Valley View Memorial Park will follow.