David Taylor

David Lee Taylor, 82, of Mexico, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Monroe Manor in Paris after a battle with prostate cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, at Arnold Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home.

David was born on November 27, 1943, in Hallsville, the son of Samuel and Una Blanche (Ravenscraft) Taylor. On July 9, 1971, he married Judy Gayle Christian in Mexico.

A 1961 graduate of Centralia High School, David later served in the Missouri National Guard. He worked for 20 years in the Science Instrument Department at the University of Missouri, serving as supervisor during his final 10 years. In addition to his career, David farmed throughout his life.

David had a lifelong love of flying and was a pilot for many years. He owned several airplanes over the years and sold his last one just a few months ago. He was a member of the Shortwing Piper Club. He also had a deep appreciation for the mountains and enjoyed traveling to the home he and Judy built in Pitkin, Colorado.

Faith and service were important parts of David’s life. He was a longtime member of the Church of God Holiness in Mexico, where he served as a deacon for 17 years. Always willing to lend a hand, David gave generously of his time to the church and spent many hours helping construct its Family Life Center.

Survivors include his wife, Judy Taylor, of the home; one daughter, Amy (Brad) Deihl of Mexico; two granddaughters, Abbygail Deihl and Kathryn Deihl, both of Mexico; two brothers, Samuel Taylor of Benton City and John (Aletha) Taylor of Mexico; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Taylor and Patricia Taylor, both of Mexico; and several nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his parents; his infant son, Stephen Taylor, in 1976; and two brothers, Howard Eugene “Gene” Taylor and Gerald “Jerry” Taylor.

Memorial donations may be made to the Church of God Holiness or the American Cancer Society. Donations may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.