Kenneth Lynn Tabor Obituary

Kenneth Lynn Tabor of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and formerly of Lexington, South Carolina, went home to be with Jesus his Lord, on July 15, 2012. At his bedside was his wife of 39 years, Sandra Hardee Tabor. Ken was born Sept 17, 1948 to Alvis E. Tabor and Gwendolyne Couts Tabor in Pampa, Texas. Growing up In Panhandle, Texas Ken learned from his parents a strong work ethic, importance of family, value of a good education, and helping others. Caring for his disabled brother, Ronald, he also developed a deep compassion for people with disabilities. Ken graduated from Panhandle High School in 1967 and Wayland Baptist College in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. He was a member of Alpha Phi Omega. Ken felt the Lord leading him to attend Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, where he met his wife, Sandra. They were married in the summer of 1972, both completing their Masters of Religious Education degree in 1973. Ken continued his education at the University of South Carolina where he earned a Masters of Social Work degree in 1975 and later received his Academy of Certified Social Workers accreditation. He was also a member of National Association of Social Workers. Ken felt a special calling in life to work with those with special needs. He worked early in his career as a social worker and then later as a program manager for the disabled. Ken worked at the Department of Mental Health in Columbia, SC making the lives of those in need better every day for 30 years. Godly husband, Godly father and grandfather, and Christian brother to many, Ken was a man of strong faith and high integrity who loved his family more than himself. Ken was a peacemaker and shared the joy of the Lord with everyone that came in contact with him. He enjoyed woodworking, photography, crafts, singing and playing the autoharp, and all types of music and sports. He loved people and never met a stranger. He always gave 100% at whatever task he was given. Ken had a great love for his pets. He received much joy following his son Jason's career as a commercial pilot and spending time with his precious grandchildren. Most of all, Ken had a great love for his Lord. Ken was a member of Park Street Baptist Church in Columbia, SC for several years and then the Lexington Baptist Church in Lexington, SC. Throughout his adult life, he taught Sunday School, sang in the adult choir, played several instruments in the church orchestra and worked with the Royal Ambassadors and children's choirs. Ken served as a deacon and was a member of the Gideons International. Ken and Sandra came to Colorado Springs to be closer to their son and his family in 2005. Woodmen Valley Chapel became their home for worship and new opportunities to minister in the Overcomers Adult Bible Study class and the Acts 2:42 men's group at Woodmen Heights. Ken will be missed deeply but his family has comfort knowing he is "home" with his Lord. His testimony of his faith in Christ will continue to bind together his family and friends. Along with his loving and devoted Sandra, Ken is survived by their son Jason P. Tabor and his wife, Milgrid, of Colorado Springs, CO with their two children Michelle and Christian Tabor; his brother Carrol P. Tabor and wife Cathy, of Tomball, TX; his sister Alvene Galloway and husband, Bill, of Livingston, TX; his nephew Daniel Tabor of Madison, WI, along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Ken was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Ronald and Michael Tabor. Visitation will be Friday, July 20, 2012 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Barr Price Funeral Home, 609 Northwood Rd. Lexington, SC 29072. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 21, 2012, 11:00 AM at the Lexington Baptist Church in Lexington, SC with burial following the service at Woodridge Memorial Gardens, 138 Corley Mill Rd. Lexington, SC 29072. A memorial service will be held in Colorado Springs, Colorado at Woodmen Valley Chapel, Woodmen Heights on Wednesday, July 25th, 2012 at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Woodmen Valley Chapel, 290 E. Woodmen Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80919; Lexington Baptist Church, 308 E. Main St. Lexington, SC 29072; Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care, 2550 Tenderfoot Hill Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80906; or Gideons International.