John Raymond Tabor

John Raymond “Ray” Tabor, age 88, passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2017. He died peacefully in his home in Katy, Texas surrounded by his family. He was born on the 28th of November 1928, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. John Raymond graduated from Clarksdale High School and then attended the University of Memphis. He later served in the United States Marine Corps as an expert rifle instructor and armorer at the marine base in Quantico, Virginia. John Raymond made a career in the mechanical engineering field as a draftsman with several mechanical contracting firms in the south. Several projects John Raymond worked on makeup part of what is the Galleria complex today.

John Raymond loved boxing, football, duck hunting and bass fishing. (In fact, he loved playing football so much that he intentionally failed his senior year in high school so that he could play another year of football!) He was a golden glove boxer and competed in numerous golden glove competitions.

John Raymond was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed his hunting and his fishing excursions with his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and with many other friends and family throughout his life. He especially loved to duck and dove hunt, and to bass fish. And he thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie with his many friends and family at the hunting and fishing lodges over the years. He surprised us all that even in his final years with us, he never lost his passion to be out in the field, or out on the lake. He could still drop a dove or land a big mouth bass. One mention to John Raymond of hunting or fishing and his response, even in his final days with us, would be: “I’m ready!” His favorite freshwater lake was Fayette County Lake in La Grange, Texas. He passed on his love of the sport to his sons, and to several of his grandchildren. They enjoyed many fishing trips together including weekend outings to Toledo Bend and other local lake spots, where they had some of their most successful catches. The biggest fish he caught at Toledo Bend was 9 pounds, caught on a black worm rigged Carolina. The funniest fishing trip at Fayette County Lake was when his grandson, Garrett Tabor, forgot to put the plug in the boat. Thanks Pop for all the wonderful memories!

John Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, John Van Tabor and Josephine Garbarini Tabor; brother, Johnny Funai and sister, Bena Huffman. He is survived by his loving wife Rose of 62 years; son, John Anthony Tabor and wife Jo Ann; daughter, Beverly Tabor Horton; son, William Gregory Tabor and wife Petra; daughter, Stacie Tabor Luprete and husband Tony; daughter, Karla Tabor Bayer; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Our Dad, John Raymond was the sweetest man ever and the greatest blessing to our family. He was a peoples’ person who believed in family and friendships. He was loved by so many and he will be missed by all who knew him. He is now in the comfort of our Lord. Rest in peace Dad. We love you!

The family extends a special thank you to his devoted caregivers, Loretta Omorogbe and Titi Olukoya. We appreciate the many hours of excellent care you provided for our Dad. Although there were many difficult days, you never gave up. You loved him loved like he was your own Dad, and he (Papa) loved you too!

The funeral mass is to be offered on Monday, February 13, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 5356 11th St. in Katy, Texas. A reception will immediately follow at The Family Life Center. The Military Burial service will be at 2:30 p.m. at the Houston National Cemetery on Veterans Memorial Drive in Houston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, or to a charity of your choice.