Rev. Donald L. Taber, SR's Obituary
Rev. Donald Lefferts Taber, Sr. age 86, died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, November 4, 2012 in his home in Longview, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Edna Taber, and his sister, Jeanne Patterson.
He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Pauline DeLeeuw Taber; his son, Don Taber, Jr.; his daughters, Virginia Griggs, Cynthia Taber, Sylvia Ramaly, and Patricia Griffin; one daughter-in-law; three sons-in-law; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many close friends. Don had been actively attending Fellowship Bible Church in Longview, TX for over 15 years.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Paul and Edna Taber, he grew up in Ridgewood, NJ. He was a life-long member of First Baptist Church of Hackensack, NJ, and graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1944, where he ran track, and played trumpet and sousaphone in the marching band. He served in the Naval Air Force from 1944 to 1946, and in the Naval Reserves from 1946 to 1951. From 1946 until 1950, while still in the Reserves, he attended and graduated from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL with a degree in Physics. It was at Wheaton where he met his wife, Pauline DeLeeuw. They were married on June 4th 1949 while still a student at Wheaton College. After graduation, Donald pursued studies in the Graduate School of Missions at Columbia Bible College in Columbia, SC.
In 1953, Don and Polly and their eldest daughter, Virginia arrived in the Philippines. They faithfully served as missionaries to the tribal people of Northern Luzon for 40 years. They raised their five children there and when they retired in 1993, left behind a legacy of service to the Filipino people that continues to this day.
There will be a time of visitation at Rader Funeral Home, Longview Thursday, November 8, 2012 from 5 pm-8pm then funeral services the next day, Friday, November 9, 2012 at Fellowship Bible Church, Longview starting at 2 pm. Officiating will be Pastor Jim Johnson of Fellowship Bible Church. Interment will follow services at Rosewood Park, Longview.
What’s your fondest memory of Rev. Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rev. Donald?
Share a story where Rev. Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rev. Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Rev. Donald make you smile?