Donald "Buddy" Taylor Jr.

Donald "Buddy" Ray Taylor Jr., 58, of Elk Point, SD, passed away at a local hospital on January 16, 2026. A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, January 25 from 11-2:00 p.m. at the Jefferson Community Center, 309 S. Railroad Ave, Jefferson, SD. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.

Buddy was born on January 2, 1968 in Sioux City, IA to Donald Sr. and Patricia (Speck) Taylor. He graduated from West High School in 1986 and went on to receive his paint and auto body degree from Western Iowa Technical Community College. Buddy worked as a paint and auto body specialist at Prestige Collision Centers, and went on to be a manager there for several years. He then went on to manage an auto paint and supplies stores. Buddy was united in marriage to Jody Mitchell (Dodds) on July 13, 1996 and they celebrated almost 30 years of marriage. They met in kindergarten and later reunited at her family's business, Prestige. Buddy loved racing stock cars at the local tracks, primarily Interstate Speedway and Park Jefferson Speedway. He continued to attend with his sons and supported them. Buddy enjoyed cheering on the Green Bay Packers and watching NASCAR, especially in the time of Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. He enjoyed restoring classic cars and going on vacations, especially the beach, with his loved ones. He loved his pets, especially his kitty, Elvis. Buddy raised six children, lovingly them fiercely in addition to the 11 grandchildren that filled him with pride and joy. He was an outstanding husband, a wonderful father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. Buddy loved his family and was there in all of their times of need. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was always the first to help anyone in need. He lead with kindness and treated everyone with respect. Buddy will be missed by many.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Jody Taylor, his parents ,Don and Pat, His children, Steven (wife Casey and daughter Keely), his twin son’s Blake and Bryce, his daughters Dawn (husband Joey and their children, Gracelynn, triplet grandsons Ethan, Aiden, and Trystan), Denise (partner Avery and children Kaelynn, Konnor, and Liam), and Jessica (children Riley, Kalob, and Jameson). In addition, his brother Jeff, sister Shelly, and their families.

He is preceded in death by his grandmothers Thelma Speck and Louella Holbrook, his grandpa Bill Holbrook and great niece Peyzlee Lynn Marie Gotto.