Steven R. Tabler

Steven R. Tabler, 64, of Wapakoneta, passed away Tuesday evening, February 3, 2026, in Lima, OH. He was born August 11, 1961, in Lima, the son of the late Robert Lee "Bob" and Avalene (King) Tabler. On August 23, 2020, he married Priscilla A. Shuler, and she survives.
Other survivors include his children, Hannah (Jon) Holtzapple, New Knoxville, OH, and Cale (Kalyn) Tabler, Ft. Wayne, IN; and his children through marriage, Elizabeth Shuler, Cincinnati, Andy (McKenna) Shuler, Indianapolis, IN, and Kevin Shuler, Waynesville, OH. Steve was a proud grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Halle and Winnie Holtzapple, Zayli, Kynli, and Paisly Tabler and Holden and Rory Shuler. His favorite thing to do was teaching his grandchildren to fish as soon as they were able to hold a pole.
He is also survived by his brother, Greg (Mindy) Tabler of Wapakoneta, and his nephews, Ben and Josh Tabler.
Proud of his long career as a plasterer, Steve dedicated over 45 years to the art of plastering. He began working as a union plasterer throughout Ohio. Later, he and his brother, Greg, started T & T Plastering, which they ran together for 35 years. A 1979 graduate of Wapakoneta High School, Steve was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Post 330, Wapakoneta. His hobbies included fishing (especially ice fishing), deer and turkey hunting. He also enjoyed racing go-karts and modified stock cars at Eldora and Limaland Raceways. Steve and Priscilla were fortunate to take several motorcycle trips all throughout Ohio, to Acadia National Park in Maine, Wisconsin, Minnesota, the Upper Peninsula and several trips to their favorite spot in Leland, Michigan.
Steve will be remembered for his ability to fix, weld, or build just about anything, his hard work ethics, his willingness to help others, and being a friend to everyone he met.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Eley funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, with Pastor Joel Bucklin officiating. Burial is to follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta. The family will receive friends 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., Friday, and 10-11 a.m., Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to the New Knoxville First Church or the American Legion Scholarship Fund. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.