On February 28, 2026, David Dean Taylor peacefully returned to the loving and waiting arms of our Heavenly Father, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 78 years old after a short illness. David was born on November 18, 1947, in Brawley, CA. He was the oldest of six children born to Dean Leroy Taylor and Bernice MacKay Taylor. David married Kathleen Youd on January 12, 1967, in the Manti LDS Temple. They later divorced. He married Janice Murray July 11, 1980, in the Provo LDS Temple. David has six children Michael, Amy, John, Jason, Craig, and Paul.
A legacy of Craftsmanship and Service. David’s career began in Spanish Fork at Jex Lumber, where he cultivated a lifelong expertise in the building industry. In 1973, he combined his skills with those of his father, Dean Taylor, to co-found Taylor Cabinets in Lake Shore. His professional versatility extended to Lantis Fireworks, where he worked both as a salesman and a pyrotechnician. He also partnered with major Utah construction firms on large-scale land development projects in the private sector. In his later years, David transitioned his focus toward civic leadership. Beginning in 2007, he served as the City Planner and Administrator for Fairview City, a role that eventually led to his election as Mayor from 2018 to 2021. Beyond his professional and political responsibilities, David was deeply committed to public safety. From 2011 to 2024, he served as a dedicated member of the Sanpete County Search and Rescue team. During his time with Search and Rescue, he served as Commander at both the County and State levels and was actively involved with the State OHV Committee.
David was a man of unwavering faith, service, and achievement. As a young man, he earned the prestigious Eagle Scout Award through the Boy Scouts of America and was later honored with the Silver Beaver Award in recognition of his outstanding service to Scouting. In 1966, he was recognized as a Sterling Scholar in architecture, reflecting his dedication to academic excellence. Throughout his life, he faithfully served in numerous leadership roles within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he especially cherished his time serving Young Single Adults in both Stake and Ward callings associated with Snow College. His legacy is one of devotion, mentorship, and a lifelong commitment to strengthening his faith, family, and community.
He is survived by his wife Janice and five sons and one daughter: Michael (Sabrina) Taylor of Elko, NV, Amy (Mark) Staheli of Salem, UT, John (Paula) Taylor of Lehi, UT, Jason Taylor of Fairview, UT, Craig (Tamera) Taylor of Moroni, UT, Paul (Abbie) Taylor of Salem, UT; 19 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren with 2 more on the way; four sisters and one brother: Peggy Middleton of Ivins, UT, Lynda (Ron) Pugh of Spanish Fork, UT, Carol (Jeff) Thomsen of Draper, UT, Sandra Simpson of Payson, UT, and Brent (Laura) Taylor of Lake Shore, UT.
A viewing will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 131 East 100 North, Fairview, UT on Friday, March 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5916 South 3200 West, Lake Shore UT, on Saturday, March 14, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m., with interment in the Spanish Fork Cemetery.
1 Condolence for David Dean Taylor
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Val Cope says
March 6, 2026 at 9:49 amHe lived well and left his mark in many places. He certainly touched my life in a positive way as a mentor and a friend. He is an important part of a great family who have left a legacy of faith and good will. In his own way he went out with a bang. He will be missed!