Michael Taplin

Michael H. Taplin passed away Sunday July 13, 2025, at his home. He was born on November 18, 1959, in Manhattan, KS, the son of Gail H. and Jeaneen M. (O’Hara) Taplin. He married Sharon Kay Fleagle on August 1, 1986. She survives at their home.

Mike was an outdoorsman and loved riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle, hunting and especially liked hunting mushrooms in the spring. He loved shooting pool and was a regular at the Abilene Senior Center and received several Top Gun spots in tournaments. Another one of his great joys was watching his nephews and great nephews play football and wrestle. He rarely missed a game or a match.

Mike attended Riley County High School and Manhattan Area Vo-Tech earning a certificate in Welding. He worked for Berwyn Manufacturing in Junction City and later for Great Plains Manufacturing in Abilene. He was a member of the Oddfellow Lodge in Riley, KS.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two brothers, Tom Taplin (Patty), Abilene, Tim Taplin (Molly), Britt, IA, and one sister Debbie (Don) Girard of May, TX, as well as many nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation is planned with a Celebration of Life Service to be held at a later date which will be announced.

Memorials may be made to the Abilene High School Wrestling Team and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home or at the Celebration of Life Service.