Gary A. Tabor

Gary A. Tabor, age 90, of Williamsfield, Ohio, died on Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Williamsfield at his son's home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born January 8, 1935, in Cherry Valley township, Ohio, the son of Paul E. and Agnes I. (Miller) Tabor. A lifelong area resident, he was a 1952 graduate of Williamsfield High School and following graduation earned an agriculture certificate from The Ohio State University. He married Darlene M. (Fuller) on October 18, 1953, and enjoyed 58 years together before she passed March 3, 2012. He is also preceded in death by his parents; his granddaughter, Katie (Tabor) Baisden; great granddaughter,Jocelynn Tabor; and sister, Sue Szewczyk.

Gary owned and operated a dairy farm in Williamsfield for 43 years; and while farming he also was employed as a welder fabricator for A & M Systems in Warren, OH. For some time he served as a substitute mail carrier and worked at a local feed mill as well. Following retirement Gary worked as a bus mechanic for Pymatuning Valley Schools.

He served as a 4-H leader for many years; enjoyed stock car and go kart racing, and was a toy collector and restorer. Gary was honored with a feature article in 2012 in the "Toy Farmer" magazine and "The Toy Trucker and Contractor" magazine. He had a passion for woodworking and made furniture and shelves for many in his family. He was a founding member of the Ashtabula County Antique Engine Club; and a member of the Jefferson Historical Society where he became involved in the painting of barn quilts locally and throughout the United States. Through the historical society Gary also co-produced a documentary "Engineering Tragedy" about the Ashtabula train disaster in 1876 and won 3 Emmy Awards in the Central Great Lake Chapter. He assisted with the filming at local sites and helped make all of the props for the documentary.

Gary is survived by his 2 daughters, Darla G. (Dennis) Bates of Williamsfield, OH, and Jill M. (Mike) Mekeal of Munroe Falls, OH; his 2 sons, Lynn A. (Jackie) Tabor and James C. (Lori) Tabor, both of Williamsfield, OH; his sister, Lana Muir of Kinsman, OH; his 7 grandchildren, Bill (Rebecca) Bates, Becky (Chris) Gray, Angie (Jared) Lemons, Randy (Chenelle) Tabor, David Baisden, JC (Montana) Tabor, Nicole (Stephen) Blascak, and Andrew Mekeal; and his 14 great grandchildren, Jackson, Elliott, Abigail, Allyson, Raegan, Ryanne, Grayson, Charlotte, Brooklyn, Mia, Matthew, Colt, Loretta, and Oliver.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM when a funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM at Baumgardner Funeral & Cremation Service, 134 Prospect St.,Andover, OH, with Pastor Cole Sagstetter officiating. Burial will follow in Williamsfield Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Jefferson Historical Society, PO Box 574, Jefferson,OH 44047. Share a fond memory or condolence at www.baumgardnerfuneralhome.com