DeAndre Gordan Taylor-Benard
June 26, 1991 - June 26, 2023
Obituary
Sunrise June 26, 1991 ~ Sunset June 26, 2023
DeAndre’ Gordan Taylor-Benard was born June 26, 1991 in Seattle, Washington to Carmen Walker and Peter Taylor. Dre’, as his family called him, attended the Seattle Public Schools graduating from Garfield High School in 2009.
Following high school, he earned a scholarship to play Jr. College basketball in Northern Idaho. While playing point guard there, he excelled both on the courts and in the classrooms. He went on to attend the Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA where he again excelled academically and on the basketball court. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Evergreen in 2018.
Recently he was attending the Arizona State University working towards a Masters Degree and was employed as a DCS Investigations Specialist with the Arizona Department of Child Safety. He was well liked and respected by his colleagues at DCS.
Sadly, our most beloved Son, Brother, family member and friend passed away due to an accidental drowning on his 32nd birthday, June 26, 2023.
Those who knew Dre, even just a little, lost a shining light. He lit up the room when he entered and he always made friends wherever he went. His laugh was contagious and funny at the same time, and when you heard it you knew it was Dre. Just like his Mom, he was outgoing and loved being around people. He was his Mom’s “Mr. Fix It”, and if it wasn’t for Dre there wouldn’t be a Coach Andro. He was his Brother Andro’s first role model, a neighborhood hero and to his sister Jazzy he was her SUPER hero!
DeAndre’s first love was basketball and he excelled on every level he played at. He also had a passion and talent for cooking and he would always come and take over the grill. He also loved being a positive role model for at risk youth. Dre’ loved being in the water and was an avid swimmer.
Dre’ will be missed everyday by his Mom, Carmen Walker, Father, Peter Taylor, Dad, Andro Benard, Sr., his Brothers: Andro, Jr., Kortez, Devin, and Reo, Sisters: Jazzmen and Priana, God Sisters: Ronesha, Tyeshia & Imanni. Grandmothers: Lucy Walker and Jennifer Taylor, his loving God Parents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and other relatives and many, many great friends.