Akinyela’s Final Journey Home

I first met Akinyela in Feb of 1976 in Las Vegas, New Mexico. We were both young, in college, and just trying to do well. He was from Compton, California and wanted to make it big with football and I had initially wanted to be an opera singer but ended up just lost. Meeting him saved my life. God used him to get my attention and teach me about Himself. In Akinyela, I found someone who was unique, compassionate and understanding when others were not. We struggled together and though he was just as broken as I was, he taught me how to trust and see myself differently, how to press on and be courageous. He injured his leg in a game and was not able to go where he’d hoped from there.

We got married in 1998 and Akinyela decided to join the military in 1999 with the Air National Guard at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, taking care of our family and serving his country. He was also working full-time and later finished college, earning a degree in History (a newfound love) and Education. We were still young and didn’t really know what we were doing but God kept us together for His good purposes. He knew we needed each other.

Akinyela was determined to do something better for his family and himself than what he had observed growing up. This was something neither of us knew how to properly heal from. We took in his nephews and raised them as our own for a while.

In the military, he started the Junior Enlisted Council because he saw a need for newcomers to learn leadership to navigate life as part of a unit. There, he saw and understood a lot of what others could not, starting mission capabilities so that the 157th AOG could stay relevant in changing times. He often had to go overseas for different deployments. He ended up with tinnitus and didn’t understand how else being in the military affected him. In 2012, he was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant and did some work overseas but soon realized his family needed him home. He’d made sure they had a roof over their heads but being a father is more than that.

As a teacher, he cared deeply for his students, a whole lot more than statistics and aesthetics. He was a role model to many, inspiring countless young minds with his wisdom and passion. He often thought outside the box to reach them, knowing they needed more, like buying a coffee maker for his classroom and listening to their real problems. As a coach, he made sure he got a full breakfast for his track students because he knew many of them didn’t have that option at home. He wanted the best for his football players too, writing dozens of reference letters causing offers to pour in. He spoke out when he saw unethical behavior that was negatively affecting students.

While all of this was happening, he struggled to be there for himself. And anytime he’d taken an opportunity to seek counseling for solace or direction for emotional and mental healing, it was ineffective and sometimes did more damage. There was also tension arising from those who disagreed with his endeavors and wanted to prevent him from succeeding. This was often a struggle for him to truly resolve.

In 2021, God got his attention, and he stopped running and looking in the wrong places. He became, as Omar Silva observed, "a man rising from despair and navigating his way through spiritual trials toward hope and purpose." He became a truth seeker not just a truth lover. He repented of what he knew wasn't right and sought to be in right relationship with his Maker, even making a public confession to his family. He was growing in multiple ways, learning to trust God. We were able to be a true team after so many years. We were being strengthened together, doing battle together.

In 2025, he felt like God had been telling him he needed to be able to let go of everything, entrusting everything to Him. He decided he was going to try to have time away from everything he was used to and focus on God. He talked about no longer being base or living off of emotions, walking in the flesh.

Unfortunately, when a series of events occurred (which is still being investigated) when he tried taking a trip out of the country, his responses (out of desperation) eventually led to him being shot and killed. He'd forgotten that like in Ephesians 6:12, we don't wrestle against flesh and blood. And that God is the one who, as stated in Revelation 3:7, opens and closes doors.

We are very grateful others’ lives were not lost.

Our hearts are heavy. There was so much more to who he was and life will not be the same without him.

Akinyela was a loving husband (my best friend), father of 4, son, uncle, brother, and friend. We need to bring him back to the United States for burial and to allow his family to say their final goodbyes. The cost of transportation, logistics, bills and related expenses amount to approximately $8,000, which we are hoping to raise to cover the costs and help us through this difficult time. The VA is not covering the cost of his transportation, just his actual burial. We don’t have a burial date yet since we need to get him here first. We know this is not our final home but we're asking for your help to bring his body to St. Louis, so that his family can find closure and honor him in the way he deserves.

Any contribution, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated. Thank you for supporting Akinyela Taylor’s family in our time of need. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

(And if you would rather avoid certain fees my Cashapp is $Keiza , pp is my first name, then t @yahoo or use Venmo )

Updates will be atleast weekly.