After his service to our country, David Taylor went on to serve the citizens of Drew County in many different aspects. He was the County Clerk from 1965 - 1970, the High Sherriff from 1972 - 1988, and a member of the Drug Task Force after his retirement. His two favorite quotes as Sheriff were; ''It's not a job for an old man or a person not willing to work'' and ''If a man's a good officer and his heart is where it should be a firearm is the least used piece of equipment he'll own''.
David Taylor was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish. Turkey hunting was at the top of his favorite wild game to hunt. He was the happiest being in the outdoors and had a story to tell about every body of water you crossed and tree you passed. No one knew Drew County or will ever know Drew County like him. He loved wood carving and made a Dulcimer over a 30-year period. He was a member of multiple law enforcement organizations and was voted Drew County Man of the Year. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Monticello.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister Katharine Hyatt Cordi. David Taylor is survived by his wife of 33 years, Linda Gail Carter Hyatt of Monticello; one son, David Taylor Hyatt, III (Rita) of Lacey; three daughters, Ann Taylor Kling (Larry) of Monticello, DeClare Hyatt of Pansy, Jaye Carter Jones (Larry) of Monticello; one sister, Hannah Hyatt Harris (Art) of Johnson City, TN; seven grandchildren, Ernesto J. Muniz, Levi T. Kling (Sydney), Hannah G. Kling Darnell (Clay), Drew T. Hyatt, Clint T. Hyatt, Lance T. Kling (Kasey) and Suzanne K. Leonard (Philip); six great-grandchildren; one nephew, Joseph C. Cordi (Sandy); three nieces, Emily Harris (Craig), Allison Harris (Adam), and Jennifer Haden (Jay); as well as a host of friends and family.
Visitation will be Friday, February 4, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. and services will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital.
Please sign Mr. David Taylor's guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(41)
Gwendolyn Young Jolin
Buchanan, VA Monday, February 7, 2022 To Ann and the Hyatt family,Sincere condolences for your loss. May God bless you and grant you peace.
Gwendolyn Young Jolin
Buchanan, VA Monday, February 7, 2022 To Ann and the Hyatt family,Sincere condolences for your loss. May God bless you and grant you peace.
Lydia Lowery
Collins, AR Sunday, February 6, 2022 I was so sad to here that Mr. David passed. I really loved him. It was a joy visiting with him. Prayers to his son David and grandsons Drew and Clint. Rita my best wishes to you. Love you all.Dale and Nancy Lassiter
, AR Sunday, February 6, 2022 The Hyatt family is special to us. We send our sympathy.WILLIAM R. DANIELS, JR.
Monticello, AR Friday, February 4, 2022 I miss my friendSara Hartness
Monticello, AR Friday, February 4, 2022 I had the honor and pleasure of working at the 10th District Drug Task Force, which DT ran. Oh the stories! So smart, so wise, so funny! One time I am sure I saw steam coming off his head when he was mad. When ever I think of him I just can’t help but smile and laugh. What a blessing to have known him. He loves you guys so very much. I know there is a huge hole in everyone’s lives which you need to fill up with stories. Steve and I are praying for you all.Ashley Magness Hawkins
MONTICELLO, AR Thursday, February 3, 2022 I can't even completely put into words what a special person that David Taylor was to me and my mom. He and Mrs. Cordi did so much for us over the years. He has picked me up from school when it snowed in his old beat up Sheriff's car, he came and got me and took me to register to vote when I turned 18, he came with a jeep and a wench and pulled my mom's car out of our backyard when he decided to make a quick trip and the yard one day and the list goes on and on! He was definitely one of a kind and I am so glad that I had the pleasure of growing up around him. The world is a better place because he was in it. My thoughts, prayers and love go out to Gail and the rest of the family. He was a wonderful man and I know he will be missed.Arlene Ellis Russell
Monticello, AR Wednesday, February 2, 2022 God broke the mold after He made D.T. and we were blessed to have known him.Beatrice "Bea" Tucker
Wilmar, AR Wednesday, February 2, 2022 Ann, Hannah and Family,I know your hearts are broken and life will never be the same without your Dad and Hannah your Grandfather. He was a great guy and was well respected by all that knew him. You will have some tough days ahead but with God's grace and comfort you will endure. Please know that my prayers are with you all. God bless!!!
Judy and Jack Lassiter
Monticello, AR Wednesday, February 2, 2022 We are sad to learn that David Taylor has passed away. He was a very beloved and respected member of the community. We will treasure the times we were able to be in a gathering where David Taylor held court with his stories of Drew County "goings on" back in his day. What a yarn he could spin! Please know that we are thinking of all of you, his loving family, during these sad days. Please let his stories never die so that his sparkling thread will always be a part of the tapestry of this community.Johnna Shaw Courtney
Hot Springs, AR Wednesday, February 2, 2022 Ann, David and Dee, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad was a giant presence in Monticello. His service to the city and county will stand unmatched! I count myself lucky to have grownup with your family and remember so many times running across the street to see the turkey, rattlesnake or whatever else he brought home from his hunts. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.James C. (Jim) Scott
Warren, AR Wednesday, February 2, 2022 Farewell old classmate, I will continue to have long memories of our time together hunting and fishing. You will never be forgotten.Bill Horn
Wilmar, AR Wednesday, February 2, 2022 What a great man, friend, historian, servant, will be greatly missed, my prayers are with all the family, May God BlessGary D Fritts
Wilmar, AR Tuesday, February 1, 2022 Gail, Gary and I were sorry to hear of your husband's passing. Our hearts and thoughts are with you and your family.Boyd Savage
Woodlawn, AR Tuesday, February 1, 2022 Dee, so sorry for your great loss. Your family is in our prayers.Dennis Wells
Springdale, AR Tuesday, February 1, 2022 Sorry to hear of David Taylor's passing. He was a great man and it will be hard to find someone to fill his shoes. Prayers for the family.Dennis Wells
Jim & Elgenia Ross
Monticello, AR Tuesday, February 1, 2022 David Taylor truly made a real and positive difference in Drew County and will long be remembered.Our thoughts and prayers are with him and all his family
Elgenia and Jim
Esther Burton
Monticello, AR Monday, January 31, 2022David Taylor was one of the first people I met when I began working in Monticello. I worked for DHS child welfare services and he was very supportive of making sure children were safe. He was a kind gentle man and someone. My husband Butch love to visit and go metal detecting with him. Rest In Peace.
GARLAND MCANALLY
Lake Village, AR Monday, January 31, 2022 Ann ,Dee , little David and Gail you are in my prayers during this time of sorrow and loss of your loved one . I consider it an honor and will always cherish the memories of working with David in the field of law enforcement for a period of 20 years +.His commitment, dedication and integrity was of the highest quality. Rest in peace my friend.Garland McAnallyMARK S ALLEN
McGehee, AR Monday, January 31, 2022 DT will be miss by all who knew him, he was a great Sheriff, storyteller, and friend, no one knew Drew County like him if you needed direction on where a place was all you had to do was ask, though you would have to decipher and find the landmarks because that's how he gave directions, but you could definitely find what you were looking for. Rest in Peace Mr. Hyatt prayers to your family and friends.Alvin and Irma James
Monticello, AR Monday, January 31, 2022 To family: our thoughts and prayers are with all. Mr. David was fun to visit with always had a smile on his face. Love to each of youSteve and Lea Forrest Faulkner
Monticello, AR Sunday, January 30, 2022 David, Gail and family. There was and will be only one David Jr. he was the type of man that every little boy wanted to be and every police officer should have been. He never treated anyone differently than him. He was and always will be a man that I looked up and will honor today and forever. Prayers, love and hugs.Pat Carson-Williams
Monticello, AR Sunday, January 30, 2022 DT was an icon in Drew County. He was loved and respected by so many of us. I always remember his laugh echoing through the halls of the courthouse. Love and condolences to Gail and all the familyJoann Adair. Holian
Monticello, AR Sunday, January 30, 2022 So sorry for your loss. Prayers for all at this sad time. A great man and a great loss.I don’t know anyone who didn’t love this man.
Rhea LaGrone
Monticello, AR Sunday, January 30, 2022 Dee my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time so sorry for your lossMark&Mary withers
North Little Rock, AR Sunday, January 30, 2022 David was a great man and will be missed greatly by people. Rest in peace david , you are in heaven with my mom Audrey withers and I know yall are having an amazing time up there, prayers for the family at this sad time 😇🙏🙏Kalen
Monticello, AR Saturday, January 29, 2022 Mr. Hyatt, I am going to miss coming in your room & telling you good morning & talking to you about the weather. Thank you for being so kind to me, I really enjoyed caring for you & will miss you dearly & our daily morning talks. May your soul rest in love & peace.Dianne Lloyd
Monticello, AR Saturday, January 29, 2022 David Taylor was one of a kind. We were lucky to know him. He will be missed. DianneRalph & Teressa Hunter
Monticello, AR Saturday, January 29, 2022 Sorry for your loss. He was a special man to both our families. Praying for you all.Cherie Brown
Monticello, AR Saturday, January 29, 2022 A great man!!Bonita Yount
Dumas, AR Saturday, January 29, 2022 My heart is breaking for all of your loss. D. T. was an exceptional individual and would help anyone that he could. I will fondly remember our many talks when he came in to the farm store. Praying for the family and friends.Betty Foreman and family
Monticello, AR Saturday, January 29, 2022 Ann, David, Dee, and families,DT was such a good friend to our family. He and my husband enjoyed many days hunting and hanging out at the deer camp together. When deer season was over, they still made their daily trips to the camp, getting it ready for the next hunt. It was so sad when their health deteriorated and they no longer had that time together. He was an extraordinary person that will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with each one of you.
Barbara Benton
Monticello, AR Saturday, January 29, 2022 Dee and Ann, I am so sorry for your loss.Barbara Benton
Dorothy Adcock McWhorter
Ft. Worth, TX Saturday, January 29, 2022 On behalf of the graduating 1950 class of MHS we send our deepest sympathy to the Hyatt family. Classes of 1950 and 1951 were extremely close and David will always be remembered as a part of those golden years.David's contribution to public service speaks volumes.
Boo Black
Destin, FL Saturday, January 29, 2022 I will miss you, David Taylor. You were a part of our family.sarah leonard
monticello, AR Saturday, January 29, 2022 Oh, Dee. I am so sad about your loss. Some of my absolutely fondest memories are of those times spent at you house. I was a fan of your dad's for sure. My thoughts are with you and the whole family. Love to you.Jane Jo Summerford
Monticello, AR Saturday, January 29, 2022 So sorry for your loss. It was always great to see him on the “front porch” at Grand Manor! Made my day!Buddy Hyatt
Hendersonville, TN Friday, January 28, 2022 David Taylor is my father’s first cousin. I always looked up to him and loved him. I was fortunate to be able to visit him in November of 2021 in Monticello, he will be greatly missed.Mary Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Friday, January 28, 2022 Deepest sympathy to the family. David Taylor was a good man and will be missed by many.Linda Wells
Monticello, AR Friday, January 28, 2022 Prays for the family.William Moore
, AR Friday, January 28, 2022 Going to miss you.. you was a good man