Mr. Alva Donald Taylor, 82, of Artemus, passed away Sunday afternoon, February 15, 2026 at Baptist Health Louisville surrounded by the love of his family, just as he spent his life, never far from the people who mattered most to him. He was born February 19, 1943 at Artemus, the son of the late Alva Alexander and Thelma Hayes Taylor.
On August 14, 1970, he united in marriage with Brenda Joyce Yeager and to this union two children were born.
Don was a proud Kentucky Colonel, Commonwealth Ambassador and Army Sergeant, honors he carried with quiet pride. He was a faithful member of the Artemus Christian Church, a man of steady routines and steady faith. He enjoyed simple pastimes at home, including working on his model trains, listening to gospel music, watching old westerns and spending time with family.
More than anything, Don was a husband, a father and a Pap. His love showed up in everyday ways in the stories he told more than once, in laughter that filled the room from his jokes and quick wit and in the moments sitting side-by-side without needing to say much at all. He made his family feel safe, known and deeply loved by simply being there.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Goldie Rose Barton; brother-in-law, Frank Disney and many other loved ones who surely welcomed him home.
Survivors include his loving wife, Brenda Taylor; children, Alva Douglas Taylor and Brenda Jenny Logan and husband, William “Tigger”; treasured grandchildren, Taylor Gail Logan and William Alva Mason Logan; sisters, Jean Disney and Ann Ketchum and husband, Jack; brother-in-law, David Barton; several beloved nieces and nephews; a dear cousin, he loved as a sister, Billie Ferguson; special family friend, Brenda O’Dell and his loyal bulldog, Bull. To know Don was to love him and he leaves behind a space that cannot be filled. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
His funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Saturday, February 21 at 2 P.M. with Rev. James McDonald and Rev. Keith Partin officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Callihan Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Brian Nelson, Paul Hurst, Chad Ferguson, Taylor Sergent, Conner Phipps and Jeffery Ketcham. Serving as honorary bearers will be Matthew Martin, Derrick Foster and the staff of PT Pros.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Saturday after 12 Noon until the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of ALVA DONALD TAYLOR.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.