The Honorable Judge Van B. Taylor passed away Friday, August 6, 2021. He was born July 22, 1936. Judge Taylor was a Scott County native.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Flo Brazil Taylor and Claude E. Taylor of Waldron; his son, David Riley Taylor; his sister, Claudette Taylor; his faithful court reporter, Larry Shepherd; and many good friends that are happy to see him again.
Judge Taylor is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University and the University of Arkansas Law School at Little Rock. While practicing law in Waldron, Arkansas, he was elected as the youngest serving Arkansas State Representative. He moved his family to Dardanelle, and he was elected as the youngest presiding Chancery Judge in Arkansas. Judge Taylor served as a Chancery Judge for 30 years, and he relished living in Dardanelle, surrounded by close friends.
Judge Taylor is survived by his children, Matthew Taylor of Redmond, Washington; Toni Taylor Meghreblian of Little Rock and her husband, David Meghreblian; Dr. Robert Taylor of Fayetteville and his wife, Amanda Taylor; his grandchildren, Micah, Jack, Hannah, Abigail, Lillian, Juliet, Clementine, Kate, Isaiah, Eli, Nate, Noah, Cyler and Ryland; his siblings, Cathy Davenport of Farmington, Diana Christensen and her husband Scott of Omaha, Nebraska, and Don Taylor and his wife Juanita of Ft. Smith.
Judge Taylor lived his final days in the splendor of Grand Village Retirement Community in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he was treated like royalty. His presence will be missed. A private memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
Tony,
I was so sorry to read about your father’s passing. Please know that I am thinking about you and your family.
Fondly,
Susan Hickey
My sincere condolences to his large and loving family. A good man, and a life well lived.
Van was one of the finest men I ever had the pleasure of knowing, and I was proud to have him as a brother-in-law for several years. He used to let me drive his little Metropolitan and even let me borrow it on occasion. He also gave me my first set of golf clubs. I think they had belonged to his father.
Condolences from the Setcer Family in Dardanelle.
I am so sorry to hear that my friend, Van Taylor has died. I knew him, Claudette and Don as long ago as I have known anybody I think. We grew up together at Parks. When he was a little kid he already wanted to be a lawyer. Would read law books! When we were teenagers the boys would gather up
a pile of wood for a bonfire on the Parks school ground for a party. Van was the “caller” for the party singing games. I can just hear him singing
“Ladies step forward and the gents step back!” I also felt a security in knowing that he was on the Arkansas Tech campus when I was. I knew I could call on him if I needed a back up of any kind. Rest In peace my long time friend and neighbor. My sincere condolences to his family. God bless you all. Love, Lou Nell.
Loved this man so much. He was the “best” (and I use that term loosely) golf partner anyone could ever want. We had so much fun playing in the John Daly Golf Tournament year after year after year. He always made sure we had fun first, and we did. My heart goes out to Toni, Bobby, and Matthew, and their families. You will be sorely missed, Van. Rest In Peace, my friend.
Thank you, Jane. Dad loved you, and had a photo of you and him in his living room at Fayetteville. I will send it to you if I can find it in his things. You were a great friend to him and we all appreciate your condolences.
I was just thinking about him the other day I used to stop by from time to time to see him or call him on the phone..Anyway prayers for the family.
So sorry for your Loss! Prayers for all the family. Always loved talking with him at the Lion’s Den
Our sincerest condolences to you and all your family. So very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Prayers for the family.
Love and blessings
Ray & Patti
We will miss you my friend!
Practiced before him for many years and he taught me a lot about the law. Very learned in the law and his decisions were rarely reversed.
Had not seen him for a couple of years but considered him a friend . My condolences to the family.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.
I will pray for the repose of his soul.