Michael Joseph Taft, 63, of Johnson Lake, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, August 8, 2013, at Lexington Regional Health Center.

Mike was born January 28, 1950, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Joseph L. and Phyllis J. (Geistlinger) Taft. The family moved to Lexington when Mike was a boy, where he graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1968. He then went onto further his education at McCook Community College. Following college he worked as a meat cutter in McCook.     

Mike was united in marriage to Kathleen Henton on June 16, 1970, in McCook. Two children were blessed to this marriage; Kimberly and Chris. While living in Lexington he worked for Orthman Manufacturing and Mr. T's Clothing. He was also a member of the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department for 13 years and the Lexington Jaycees.     

He moved to Lubbock, Texas in the early 1980's, where he spent 20 years selling and installing swimming pools. He returned to Nebraska where he lived in Kearney and worked for Nelson Furniture as the Floor Covering supervisor. He held this position until his health forced him to retire. He has spent the past year at Johnson Lake with his folks.     

Mike enjoyed fishing, camping, telling stories, playing cribbage, watercolor paintings, and being with family. He also loved spending time with his faithful four-legged companion, Peanut.     

Mike is survived by his parents of Johnson Lake, Nebraska; son, Chris Taft of Wellfleet, Nebraska; daughter, Kimberly (Clinton) Jones of Pacifica, California; two brothers, Tim (LouAnn) Taft of Lincoln, Nebraska and Dale (Cheryl) Taft of Elwood, Nebraska; two grandchildren, Lucca & Reuben Jones of Pacifica, California.     

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and an infant sister, Rebecca Joy. Mr. Taft's body has been cremated. Inurnment will be held later in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. A Memorial Reception will be held Saturday, August 10, 2013, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.