The Killeen community is mourning the tragic loss of Fire Captain Marvin Taylor III, who passed away on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025, in a devastating car accident. Captain Taylor, a dedicated firefighter, leader, and beloved family man, will be honored with a visitation, funeral service, and final honors in the coming days.

Captain Taylor’s career with the Killeen Fire Department began on July 7, 2014. Over the years, his commitment to emergency response and firefighter training earned him a promotion to Fire Captain in 2024, where he served in the Training Division. His expertise extended beyond local service, as he was an active member of the Texas A&M Task Force 1 Water Rescue Team and the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) Wildland Team, deploying to large-scale emergency operations across the country.

Taylor’s dedication to firefighting was matched only by his devotion to his family. Tragically, he was killed in a car accident after leaving an Austin hospital, where he had just welcomed his fifth child into the world. He was on his way to pick up his other children so they could meet their newest sibling when his vehicle was struck from behind by a speeding driver.

The visitation will take place at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove (211 West Avenue B) on Monday, May 19, from 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. At 4:30 p.m., fire service members will perform a special salute honoring Captain Taylor’s service and sacrifice.

Later that evening, at 6:30 p.m., the Holy Family Catholic Church in Copperas Cove (1001 Georgetown Road) will host a recitation of the Rosary and a Eulogy, allowing loved ones, colleagues, and friends to share their memories and celebrate his legacy.

Captain Taylor’s funeral service will take place at Holy Family Catholic Church on Tuesday, May 20, at 11 a.m. Due to limited parking, the church can accommodate 400 guests, with an overflow room available for additional attendees.

Following the service, a procession led by the Killeen Fire Department will travel through the city, making its way to Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery in Georgetown (330 Berry Lane), where Captain Taylor will be laid to rest with full department honors.

Captain Taylor’s family and the Killeen Fire Department have expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support they’ve received from residents, first responders, and officials across Austin, Travis County, and Central Texas. While they request privacy during this difficult time, they appreciate the heartfelt tributes pouring in from near and far.

As the city prepares to say its final goodbye, Captain Taylor’s courage, dedication, and selflessness will remain a guiding light for the firefighters he trained and the community he protected.

For updates and official route map details, visit the Killeen Fire Department’s website or the City of Killeen’s official page.