David Michael Hoyt

David Michael Hoyt, 81, of Newton died on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at Newton Healthcare Center. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 21, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, February 20, at the funeral home. Memorials to Wounded Warriors or the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association Hall of Fame and Museum may be left at the funeral home.

Dave, the son of Clifton “Mike” and Dorothy (Mahl) Hoyt, was born on September 28, 1942 in Newton. He graduated from Newton High School in 1961. On February 8, 1964, Dave was united in marriage with Judy McMaster in Newton. Dave served his country in the U.S. Army. Upon his discharge, he returned to Newton and began his career at the Newton Post Office. Working his way from a mail carrier and clerk to retiring as the Postmaster. Dave was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing in city and church softball leagues. He also refereed basketball games at the YMCA and was a member of the famous “chain gang” which worked the chains at the Newton High School football games for many years. Dave and Judy had a love of old cars and took theirs to many car shows in the area. Dave was a talented singer and a member of the 8-Track Band, later known as KROX. His lifelong love and dedication to music along with the band’s success earned Dave an induction into the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

Dave is survived by his wife, Judy Hoyt of Newton; siblings, Marilyn Cox of Riverton, Wyoming, Sondra Rater-Ratliff of Ankeny; Kathy (Keith) Sevenbergen of Newton; several nieces and nephews; and his Godchild, Kelsey Lynn Ambrose of Des Moines and her daughter, Millie. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Ronald L. Durant and Richard Durant.