Delvin Taber

Delvin L. Taber, 81, died July 8 at his home in West Plains, Mo. He was born April 28, 1938, in Bucklin, Mo., to Leon and Lucille Taber.

He was raised in Kellogg, lowa and graduated from Kellogg High School in 1956. He joined the U.S. Navy after graduation and served 20 years as an aerographer’s mate, “A Weather Guesser” as he always put it. Delvin traveled the world, served in the Vietnam War in the late 1960s and was part of the crew aboard the U.S.S. La Salle in the Persian Gulf in the 1970s.

After his discharge he moved to the Ozarks, met and married Cherry Mayfield on Aug.12, 1978. They lived 39 years north of West Plains before moving to town last year.

Delvin was an excellent leather carver. He raised cactus and a beautiful herb garden. Sports cars and motorcycles were his passion. He is survived by his wife Cherry Taber, His mother Lucille Taber who is 102 years old, his sisters, Pat Brown and LaVert Bientema, Newton, lowa, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father Leon Taber, brothers David, Michiel and Kirk.

Delvin Taber will be buried with full military honors at the National Cemetery in Springfield, Mo. Arrangements by Carter Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Arthritis Foundation.