David Lawrence Taylor

Born in Dayton, Ohio, in July 1938, David Lawrence Taylor, 86, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on April 4, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded by his family.

David loved playing music. His love for music was evident from a young age when he purchased a used set of drums with money saved from working on local farms. This marked the beginning of his drum and singing career, which he continued throughout his life. He played the drums during his military service, taught drum lessons, and sang with multiple choirs and groups. In the early 1960s, he joined a local Ohio band, Dale Wright and the Wright Guys, where he played the drums and sang. The band had numerous hits – “She’s Neat,” “That’s Show-Biz,” “Goody, Goody, Good-bye” to name a few. His years with the Wright Guys were a treasured experience that he carried with him throughout his life, and his kids have fond memories of listening to old 45s of the band.

In addition to his love of music, David is remembered for his strong work ethic and military service. He graduated from Springboro High School and then began his career at the Dayton Power and Light (DP&L) Company in Dayton, OH. His life took a turn when he was drafted into the Army in the early 1960s. After his Army career, David returned to DP&L before reentering military life, joining the Ohio Air National Guard.

Throughout his lifetime, David was known for his energy and staying on the go – even after retiring from DP&L following a lengthy career, he continued to stay active, working at Kil-Kare Speedway, Hara Arena, and the Antiques Village. He enjoyed having coffee with his friends at McDonald's, greeting and helping folks at the antique store, and all things car-related. He especially loved road trips across the country to visit his children, grandchildren, and his brother in Florida, where he would also catch baseball spring training and various musical events. David enjoyed attending college football games, bluegrass concerts, and the Indy 500 with his family. David loved treating his grandkids to breakfast at any family diner and taking long, meandering drives wherever the road took him. We will all miss you as you take this final journey, Dad!

In addition to his brother, Willard Everett Taylor, David is survived by his children and their spouses: Erin Ewald (Taylor) and Thaddeus Ewald, Todd Taylor and Tonia Taylor, and Robyn Lintner (Taylor) and Jason Lintner. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, whom he loved with all his heart. David was also an uncle, a friend, and a colleague. David is predeceased by his parents, Willard R. and Vera M. Taylor (Harris).

We would like to express our gratitude to the kind and dedicated caregivers at Traditions in Danbury, Ohio, and at American Village in Indianapolis. Furthermore, we would like to thank Enlightened Hospice of Indianapolis for their compassionate care in the final days of our dad’s life. We are deeply grateful to these exceptional people.

A private interment will be held Memorial weekend at the Dayton National Cemetery in Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the American Legion at https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Donate. My dad was very proud to serve his country and would want to support other veterans and their families.