Herbert Orville Taylor

Herbert Orville Taylor passed away on December 24, 2025, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 23, 1941, in Elm Park, Arkansas, to Orville E. Taylor and Lula M. (Puckett) Taylor. Herbert was 84 years and one day old.
Herbert retired from the Arkansas Forestry Commission after a lifetime of hard work. Much of his younger years were spent cutting and hauling pulpwood. He often shared the story of how his dad bought him his first chainsaw at the age of 15, earning him the nickname "Chainsaw" in high school. Herbert would say it was either because of how he ran a chainsaw-or how he "cut people down" on the football field. Even after retiring from the Forestry Commission, Herbert continued working, driving a log truck well into his mid-seventies.
His most treasured role was serving as caretaker at Camp Cahinnio Girl Scout Camp in Ione, Arkansas. It was there that he earned his beloved title of "Ranger" and his favorite conversation starter: "I'm a lifetime Girl Scout."
On July 16, 1966, Herbert married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Kovalck. They shared 54 years of marriage before her passing in April 2021. When Barbara's health declined, Herbert fully retired so he could devote himself to caring for her. Together, they were blessed with three children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Herbert loved talking politics and always had a good story to tell. He never met a stranger and was kind to a fault. He loved his family deeply and would give anyone his last dollar, the shirt off his back, or the shoes off his feet.
He is survived by his sister, Shirley Blacklock of Little Rock, Arkansas; two sons, John Taylor and wife Judy of Van Buren, Arkansas, and Paul Taylor and wife Susan of Fort Smith, Arkansas; and one daughter, Karen Taylor of Des Arc, Arkansas. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Joseph Sparks of Bonnerdale, Arkansas; Katie Godwin and husband Blake of Van Buren, Arkansas; Trent Taylor of Van Buren, Arkansas; Molly O'Bar and husband Ethan of Mansfield, Arkansas; Andre Lewis of Van Buren, Arkansas; and Kyra Lewis of Barling, Arkansas. His great-grandchildren include Miles, Ryker, and Cohen Godwin of Van Buren, Arkansas, and Lynnlee and John O'Bar of Mansfield, Arkansas. Herbert also leaves behind his faithful granddogs-Porkie, Cooper, Charlie, and Jake-as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ann (Kovalck) Taylor; his parents, Orville E. Taylor and Lula M. (Puckett) Taylor; one grandson, Jonathon Taylor; and one granddaughter, Hailee Sparks.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 30, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral & Cremation Chapel in Mansfield, Arkansas. Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Freedom Freewill Baptist Church in Elm Park, Arkansas, with Bob Hattabaugh officiating. Interment will follow at Freedom Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Trent Taylor, Joseph Sparks, Andre Lewis, Blake Godwin, Wayne Key, and Noe Aguillar. Honorary pallbearers will be the past counselors of Camp Cahinnio Girl Scout Camp.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Martin Funeral & Cremation - Mansfield, Arkansas