Michael David Taylor

Michael D. Taylor, age 76 of Beavercreek, OH departed his earthly life on May 10, 2026.

Born to Walter & Louise (Siefert) Taylor on 12-06-1949 in Dayton, OH. He was a 1968 graduate of Greeneview High School in Jamestown, OH. He also earned Business and Teaching degrees from Clark State Community College, University of Toledo and University of Dayton

Michael Taylor’s automotive legacy was one of service, craftsmanship, education, and mentorship that spanned more than five decades. From a very young age, Mike worked alongside his father in the family power equipment business, in Kettering the late 50’s early 60’s, named ‘Dinsmore Bike Shop’, assembling lawn and garden equipment and, most notably, Cushman motor scooters. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for Cushman scooters and mechanical excellence that would remain a defining part of his life.

Mike began his automotive career at Carl Yoder Ford Dealership in Jamestown, OH while in high school; after graduating from high school, Mike proudly served his country as a mechanic in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, he began his professional automotive career at Robert’s Olds & Cadillac in Xenia, OH where his talent, work ethic, and technical ability quickly became evident. His passion for both the automotive industry and education eventually led him to a distinguished career in adult technical education at Upper Valley JVS in Piqua, Ohio.

Mike’s dedication to lifelong learning was extraordinary. In addition to earning prestigious academic credentials from Clark State College, the University of Toledo, and the University of Dayton, and participating in the Kappa Delta Pi honor society, he earned extensive industry certifications through Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Chrysler Corporation, American Honda Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor Corporation, and Dana Incorporated, among many others. He also earned the respected industry title “Doctor of Motors,” held EPA certifications, and most significantly achieved ASE Master Technician status in 1983, a distinction representing the highest level of professional automotive certification.

Throughout his career, Mike served the automotive industry not only as a technician and educator, but also as a national leader in program quality and accreditation. As an ASE Evaluation Team Leader (ETL), he traveled extensively to evaluate automotive training programs and help schools achieve industry accreditation standards, leaving a lasting impact on technical education across the region.

In 1994, Mike joined Sinclair Community College with the specific mission of developing and coordinating a new internship partnership program with Chrysler Corporation. Through his vision, leadership, and tireless dedication, he transformed the new program into the nation’s most respected automotive internship program in less than three years. Under his leadership, the program earned Chrysler’s prestigious CAP School of the Year recognition multiple consecutive years, along with the National Award for Excellence in Automotive Service Programs presented by the American Vocational Association and the American Automobile Manufacturers Association Industry Planning Council.

During his 15 years coordinating the program, Mike mentored, placed, and graduated well over 200 students across 37 dealerships throughout Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Many of those students remain successful automotive professionals today, continuing the legacy of excellence, integrity, and dedication that Mike instilled in generations of technicians and educators.

After retiring, in May 2009, his hobby was rebuilding Cushman scooters and showing them at the annual shows in Ohio, working on any auto needing any repair and showing cars at the local cruise-in. He enjoyed going to concerts to see the Eagles band and Sheryl Crow.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, wife Linda (Lawson) Taylor and her parents, brothers Gilbert and Raymond Taylor. He is survived by significant other, Kathie Newell; brother Stephan P Taylor (Tammy); sister Gloria Miller (Scott); sister-in-law Shirley Taylor; nephews Johnathan &; Nicholas Miller; nieces Rebecca (Samuel) Bahun, Laura (Andy) Weber and Kimberly (EJ) Graeter; stepson Steven Thornhill (Missy); grandchildren Jordan Rich (Dan) and Jacob Thornhill and 2 great grandchildren. Special friends John Porter (Sinclair Automotive Professor) and Bill Traufler (Cushman buddy).

Viewing will be held on Tuesday May 19th from 2 pm-4 pm, and service to start at 4 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home at 3380 Dayton-Xenia Rd. Beavercreek, OH 45434, with a Celebration of Life following at the C.I. Beaver Hall, off Beaverbrook Rd. just down from funeral home.

In leu of flowers you may make donations to: Sinclair Community College Scholarship Fund under Michael Taylor or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in memory of Michael Taylor.

Graveside Burial & full Military Salute will be announced for a later date at Davids Cemetery in Kettering, OH

To view the livestream of Mike's service click here.