John Beatty Caywood

Business man and former Magistrate John Beatty Caywood, 82, passed away Friday, August 15, 2025 at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center in Danville. John had been the heartbeat of the community for many years. He was a strong leader, led by a strong tradition of achievement, reliability, integrity, and respected and admired by many who knew him.

John served as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army. After Jungle Tactical Course in Panama, he served 15 months in the Republic of Vietnam. He was a platoon leader with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Taylor Caywood of Danville; children, Martha “Marti” Caywood of Danville and John Beatty Caywood, Jr. of Bowling Green (Whitney Cassity-Caywood) of Bowling Green; grandchildren, Aiden Everett Caywood of Georgetown, Indiana and Fiona Rose Caywood of Bowling Green. He was a kind, loving father and adored his grandchildren.

Also surviving is a cousin, Bruce Edward Mulahay of Lancaster; a brother-in-law, William Taylor (Anne) of Jackson, Tn; sister-in-laws, Margaret Hayes of Brighton, Tn, Letty Gossett of Nashville, Tn, Betty Berg (Dave) of Pleasant Grove, Utah, and Louise Studdard of Atlanta, Ga; nephews, Lucius Edward Burch Caywood of Germantown, Tn, David Earl Caywood, Jr. of Venice, Fl.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Beatty Earl Caywood, MD and Anita Hatterick Caywood; a brother, David Earl Caywood, Sr., grandparents, Bruce and Alli Caywood, and cousin, William Walter Halfhill.

Mr. Caywood was a graduate of Danville High School and received a BS Degree from the University of Kentucky.

He served in the banking business with Citizens National Bank, Heritage Community Bank and Lawrenceburg National Bank; and co-owner of The Derby Shoppe and Raggs for 50 years in downtown Danville. He served as a Magistrate on the Boyle County Fiscal Court for 21 years.

He was a member of the First Christian Church, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, chairman of Stewardship committee and was an elder for years before becoming an Elder Emeritus.

He served as president of Boyle County Jaycees and president of Danville Schools Education Foundation. He was active in Kiwanis Club, Community Development Council, United Way of Danville, Industrial Foundation, Chamber of Commerce and Danville-Boyle County Development Partnership. John was a founding member of Heart of Danville, serving as Chairman of the Board and on the board for many years.

Mr. Caywood was named the 2005 Outstanding Citizen Award by Chamber of Commerce and also received Distinguished Alum Award by Danville Alumni Association.

Funeral services will be 2pm Friday, September 5, 2025 at First Christian Church in Danville officiated by Reverend John Powell. Visitation will be from 11am until 2pm on Friday. Full military honors will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to Danville-Boyle County EMS, the Wounded Warrior Project and First Christian Church Music Fund.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.