Obituary

Ol’Papaw Dave Taggart

81, of Knoxville, Iowa — passed away on August 13, 2025

Dave Taggart, known to family and friends for the past 28 years as “Ol’Papaw,” was a brilliant, God-loving family man—fiercely devoted to his wife, children, and grandchildren—who climbed from 16-year-old truck driver to CEO through grit, know-how, and unshakeable honesty.

Born David Taggart on February 19, 1944, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Paul and Ruth Taggart, Dave started driving over-the-road at sixteen. By eighteen he’d stepped into a night billing clerk role. At twenty-one, he was running a 100-door breakbulk terminal at Interstate Motor Freight—the start of a long leadership run that included serving as President at GI Trucking and CEO at Crouse Cartage, with later leadership roles including Dominion Dedicated Logistics. His formal education was a high school diploma; his résumé was built on work ethic, integrity, and results.

Away from work, he was in his element spoiling grandkids, woodworking, camping and fishing, and watching baseball, football, and NASCAR. A lifelong Green Bay Packers fan, he measured life in miles driven and hugs given. He coached by proverb and punchline:

“Your wants won’t hurt you.”

“How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time!”

“Reality is what you perceive it to be.”

“Anything the mind can conceive and believe can be achieved.”

“If a frog had wings, he wouldn’t bump his a**.”

“Always be able to look yourself in the mirror—look a man in the eyes when you shake his hand, and make it firm.”

“You’re full of beans.”

Dave is survived by his wife, Reta Taggart, his partner for 57 years and 9 months; and by their children:

• Roxanne Groover (63) — Lake Alfred, FL
• Eric Taggart (62) — Charlotte, NC
• Shawn Taggart (59), married to Stephanie — Gloucester, VA
• Angie Kenin (56), married to Jeff — Encinitas, CA
• Rob Taggart (52), married to Sarah — Midlothian, VA

Grandchildren (by family), spouses where provided; great-grandchildren in parentheses:

• Roxanne — Cynara; Derek; Brit Groover, married to Matt Holland (Leo, Logan)
• Eric — Danille Figueroa, married to Danny (Tegan, Rosie); Arielle (Jada); Caitlin Schroer, married to Jared (Jaxson, McKinley, Savannah)
• Shawn — Christinia Ruble, married to Jim (Jimmy, Aerith, Easton, Rhett); Jon, married to Mercedes (Emily, Elizabeth, Finleigh, Lucas, and a daughter); Ashleigh Taylor, married to Chris (Jessica, Nick, Coleman, Shane); Cassidy White, married to Isaac (Holland)
• Angie — Riley; Tanner
• Rob — Samantha; Kaitlyn; Tiffany Thompson, married to Austin; Destiny; David

He is also survived by his siblings Judy Taggart (Centennial, CO), Shirley Bishop (married to Rich, Phoenix, AZ), and Steve Taggart (married to Diana, Broadalbin, NY); many sister in laws; Donata Sumney, Barbara Thompson and Cindy Sherrill, and by many nieces and nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ruth Taggart, and by Reta’s parents, Serita Fowler and Robert Foster.

A man of Methodist faith, Dave kept it simple: work hard, love your people, tell the truth. He was a grandfather of 17 and great-grandfather of 22, and he knew every name.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to Nurse Jasmine at Bon Secours St. Francis Cancer Center; Nurse Melanie and the caring staff at Chapters Health Hospice; Occupational Therapist Amy from Welcome Home; and Dr. Bolton and the care team at Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center; as well as our entire family for their love and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dave’s honor may be made to Bess Chapel Methodist Church, 6073 Flay Road, Cherryville, NC 28021; (704) 447-5078.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”