John Clinton Hoyt

John Clinton Hoyt 1939 - 2025

On Sunday, November 30, 2025 our beloved Quicksilver left this earth to begin his next big adventure. From the other side, his loyal dogs, Freedom and Buddy came to comfort him in his last days and to escort him as he passed. He was 85 years old.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill Hoyt and Virginia Geoppinger; his sister Nancy Bennett; and her son Christopher.

Survivors are his wife, Shelley Melinda Hoyt; sons and wives, Michael Hoyt (Debra), John W. Hoyt (Melissa) and Paul Hoyt (Anna); stepchildren, David McCurdy (Gerta), Leah Martin Cole and Matthew Messa; grandchildren, Sean, Bryce, Kayleigh, Ryder, Jaden, Jacob, Jordan, Isabelle, Madeline and Ryan; nephew Chad Bennett and cousin Jo Lou Parks.

John Clinton Hoyt was born in Herman Hospital, Houston, TX on December 22, 1939. He spent the first 10 years of his life in Columbus, TX. His family then moved to Houston where he graduated from Bellaire High School. He attended the University of Texas, then joined the U.S. Navy and served at the National Reactor Testing Station in Idaho, where he met and married the mother of his children, Ruth Stimson. He spent much of his life working in the decorative flooring business in Houston, New Orleans and Jackson, MS. In 1993, he married Shelley Melinda Messa.

John was an avid outdoorsman. He planned many back packing trips and he and Shelley traveled extensively throughout Mexico, Big Bend, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico as he loved studying about ancient cultures and ruins all over the southwest U. S. They moved to Taos in 2014, where he soaked up the amazing culture, making many friends as a docent for Taos Historic Museums and embracing the art scene here. He was a storyteller and talented writer and photographer, as many of you know, especially his many Facebook followers. He explored many places near Taos and other places in northern NM and southern CO, usually with one or two of his hiking friends. A marathon runner, he completed several marathons when he was in his fifties.

There are so many people to thank for their love and support during these difficult few years. Our wonderful hospice team at Mountain Home Hospice; Tamra, Rose, Marc, Esperanza and Patrice went way beyond the call of duty to provide us with their loving support for over a year. Wendy was indispensable during Johns last days. Special thanks go to Walt and Paula Campbell, Margo and Joshua Gins, John and Melissa Forsythe, Rawles and Aimee Williams and neighbors, Keith Haas and Lizzie McCabe for the many visits when John was so ill. Also, thanks to musicians Jimmy Stadler, Gary Hendricks and John Archuleta for their sweet house concerts for John.

And we can’t forget the many Facebook friends who have followed his stories and pictures for years. You gave him a reason to keep going and many of you came to visit during this difficult time. He was still posting a week before his passing. We felt your prayers and will never forget you.

A memorial is tentatively planned for March 2026, since the new Taos Veterans’ Cemetery is scheduled to open then. Once it has been confirmed, the information will be posted on the DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos website.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Taos Historic Museums.

The family of John Clinton Hoyt has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. 866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com