Douglas Tabor: His story.
Doug Tabor graduated from Richlands High School in 1960 then joined the United States Air Force, which took him to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio Texas where he became an Airman First Class. From Texas, he was stationed at the Lincoln Air Force Base. It was in Lincoln that he met his best friend, George, and the lovely Diane Scherer, who would become his wife 5 months after their first date. Doug worked at Meadow Gold as a milkman, delivering milk to front porches of families all over Lincoln. He and Diane decided to start a family, and had daughter Terri in 1965, then son Todd in 1966.
After MeadowGold, Doug remained in the “beverage industry”, moving on to Coca Cola and Pepsi. He had a strong preference for Coke, so he stuck with Coca Cola, and went on to become the Vending Service Manager in Lincoln. Doug worked for Coca Cola for 25 years, and retired in 1997. In the 1970’s Doug and Diane started a side business, “Tabor’s Carpet Cleaning” which proved to be a lucrative side-hustle, and he also owned his own coffee vending machines which also helped, and he was in the Nebraska National Guard.
After Doug’s retirement, he worked briefly for Lincoln Public Schools, delivering food to various school cafeterias where he made a lot of new friends. He also spent a lot of time tending to the needs of his expanding family-his own children were having children, and they leaned on Doug for help in fixing and repairing things, as Doug knew how to fix just about anything. He also enjoyed babysitting his 6 grandchildren, “the 6 Pack” whenever he and Diane had the opportunity to do so. Todd and his wife Kristin gave Doug and Diane 4 grandchildren-Ashley, Stephanie, Zachary and Madison, while his daughter Terri and Bill Dimon gave them 2-Walker and Franni. Doug even managed to be a great grandfather, having 3 “greats”-Camden, Amelia and Payton.
What did Doug enjoy in his free time? He used to refurbish different vehicles-everything from pick up trucks, to vintage Fords, to his favorite- the Camaros. Doug enjoyed fixing cars, building fences, rooms on houses (yes, entire rooms!). He also helped coach baseball and softball for his kids, and really enjoyed watching his grandchildren perform (in sports, shows, plays, etc.). One of the highlights of Doug and Diane’s life was getting to see Elvis perform at Pershing Auditorium in 1977, Elvis’s last concert in Lincoln.
Doug was a bowler, a fisherman, and he never stopped loving the Mountains of his home state in Virginia. He was a dog lover (raised pure-breed Schnauzers and German Shepherds) and Doug ate biscuits and gravy, bacon and eggs (over easy) every morning of his marriage. Diane got really good at preparing those breakfasts! He had a love of music-Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Elvis being among his favorites, and he had a deep love and respect for this country.
Family members include his wife, Diane; daughter Terri (Bill) Dimon of Lincoln; son Todd (Kristin) Tabor of Lincoln; sisters Dorothy (John) Vencill of Richlands, VA and Betty Meadows of Kingston Springs, TN; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and beloved nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, brother Jay (J.W.), and his grandfather Poppy-Tom.
A memorial service will be held at 11am Tuesday August 1, 2023 at Messiah Lutheran 1800 S 84th St, Lincoln, NE. Reception to follow.
Memorials can be made to Messiah Lutheran Church or to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.