Dave Taylor

David “Dave” Taylor was born July 10, 1928, in Derby, Iowa the son of Carl and Erma (McMains) Taylor. He grew up in Derby and graduated from Derby High School in 1946. He went on to the University of Iowa where he earned a Bachelor degree in Accounting, graduating in 1950. In 1950, Dave was drafted into the United States Army where he was stationed in Korea, and was honorably discharged in 1952. He moved to Des Moines where he started his career in Public Accounting.

He met Ruth Grady at the First United Methodist Church in Des Moines, and they were married there on August 5, 1956. Dave worked for Ernst & Ernst, First Federal State Bank, Hawkeye Bancorp in Des Moines, and then moved to Centerville where he worked at Iowa Trust & Savings Bank until he retired.

In Centerville, Dave was very involved in revitalizing local industry by spearheading the purchase of an abandoned railroad spur to Centerville’s industrial park, and worked to bring new business opportunities to the community.  He was also instrumental in starting the Kids World Daycare & Preschool on the Indian Hills College campus.   He and Ruth enjoyed country life on their acreage that they turned into a wildflower prairie. He enjoyed spending time on his tractor, cutting firewood, gardening, and showing his grandchildren around the countryside. Dave also enjoyed golfing, traveling the world, and being around people.  He and Ruth moved back Waukee in 2014 to be closer to family.

Dave died at 94 on Monday, December 5, 2022 in West Des Moines surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ruth Taylor of Waukee; children, Cindy (John) Benson of Moorhead, MN, John (Christina) Taylor of Dallas Center, and Jeff Taylor of Palm Springs, CA; grandchildren, Claire and Sam Benson and Sarah (Scott) Cronin and Maria (Harrison) Hoegh, and great-grandchildren, Ruthie Jo, Lana Mae, and Camden Scott Cronin.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Erma Taylor and his brothers Carl (Audrey) Taylor and Harry (Evelyn and Senie) Taylor.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory with visitation 1 hour prior. Luncheon to follow. Burial will be in Resthaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to:  Kids World, 722 N 1st St, Centerville, IA 52544