TABER, DAVID P.

David P. Taber, 87, of 7837 N. Main Street, Canastota, died peacefully at his home on Monday, May 16, 2005. He had lived in Canastota all his life, attending the Canastota schools. Dave was married to Janet Hood for 32 years. He was a well-respected, self-employed crop farmer in Canastota for 40 years, retiring in 1983. Dave was a veteran of World War II, serving overseas in the Solomon Islands with the elite Edson Raiders of the U.S. Marine Corps. Dave was a Purple Heart and Silver Star recipient.

Surviving are one son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Rosemary Aubeuf of Holland Patent; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Penny Froelick of Utica, Ruth Taber and David Zogby of Clinton, and Melissa and Douglas Tuttle of Jupiter, FL; his longtime and special companion, Betty Avery of Canastota; his mother-in-law, Mabel Hood of Oneida; one sister-in-law, Josephine Taber of Oneida; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. Dave was predeceased by a son, Lance M. Taber.

Funeral services with military honors will be held 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 21, 2005, at St. Agatha’s Church, Canastota. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Oneida. All are invited to attend a luncheon for family and friends at St. Agatha’s Center, following the services at the cemetery. Calling hours will be held Friday from 5-9 p.m. at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. In his memory, contributions may be made to the Greater Lenox Ambulance Service, Inc., PO Box 382, Canastota, NY 13032, with envelopes available at the funeral home.

J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., Canastota