David Lee Taylor

Indianapolis – David Lee Taylor, 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 11, 2024. He was born on April 2, 1940 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Henry Taylor and Earline (Humes) Taylor Kappus. He was married to Nancy (Baugh) Taylor on August 5, 1967.
David graduated from Danville High School in 1958 and then went on to Butler University and Herron School of Art before heading west to the prestigious Art Center in Los Angeles where he would study illustration and graduate with Honors. He worked for Jackson Zender for several years as an illustrator before launching his freelance career. Many of his clients included Coca Cola, the Indy 500, Reader's Digest, and Outdoor Life magazine, to name a few. David also served honorably in the Indiana Army National Guard for six years.
Dave loved classic cars, especially his 1957 Chevy Bel Air convertible that he purchased when he was just out of high school. He courted Nancy in the car, and it made the trip back and forth to California each year while he was in art school. He loved listening to his favorite singer Bob Seger as well as Joe Cocker and Phil Collins. Dave also enjoyed watching basketball, (particularly the Pacers and IU) restoring their historic home, the Julian House, and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren as well as getting together with extended family and friends.
David is survived by his loving wife Nancy, his children: Julie Taylor Reed (Justin); Benjamin Taylor; Bryan Taylor (Jessica); his grandchildren: Jacob Reed (Rachel); Drew Reed; Catie Reed; Wesley Taylor; Emma Strole and half-brother Barry (Janet) Taylor and his honorary daughter, Pam Couchell. David was preceded in death by his parents; his half-brother Steven Taylor and half-sister, Debra Bock.
Visitation will be from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, at Oakley Hammond Funeral Home, 5342 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46219. There will be a visitation at 9:00 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 5333 E Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46219, on Saturday April 27. Entombment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in David's name.
To share a memory of Dave or leave a special message for his family, please click the "Condolences" icon above.