John W. Tabb of Cecilia, KY; Owensboro, KY; and Elizabethtown, KY passed away on January 11, 2018 at the age of 80. John was born on April 14, 1937 in Laurel County, KY to Clyde and Lucy Pearl. He had four sisters who loved him dearly. One sister, Jane Paulos, is still living in Chicago. When Lucy Pearl died, John was placed in an orphanage. Around age five, he was adopted by Fred and Florine Tabb of Hardin County. John graduated from Howevalley High School, and he attended Western Kentucky University. His passing has broken the hearts of his family including his wife, Jo Ann McMillen Tabb, of 62 years. John and Jo Ann have been sweethearts since they were 12 years old. John’s children have lost the best Daddy anyone could ever have. His grandchildren have lost an amazing Pappaw who always loved, encouraged, and supported them in life. John’s children include John Michael Tabb of Mabelvale, Arkansas (along with his wife Pat and deceased son Billy John Tabb); Cynthia Ann Sheriff of Owensboro, Kentucky (along with her husband Ed, deceased daughter Melissa Dawn Russell, and son Samuel Wayne Russell in McKinney, Texas - along with Sam’s wife Shannon and their twin girls Brooklyn and Violet Russell); Patty Tabb Sears of Floyds Knobs, Indiana (along with her husband Jim Sears and daughters Sydney and Sami Sears). John’s passing has also deeply saddened numerous cherished nieces (Suzie Dunn, Laura Harper), nephews (Todd McMillen, Scott McMillen), sister-in-law (Shirley McMillen), and many dear friends. John also has a very special cousin, Emily Bogard, and was extremely close to his brother-in-laws Kenny McMillen and Paul Dunn (both deceased), and sister-in-law Mildred Dunn (also deceased). The majority of John’s career was with Dow Corning in Elizabethtown as a Packaging Quality Engineer. He also farmed and worked many years at Kroger. John was a strong Christian man who spread God’s light wherever he went. John was a faithful member of the First Christian Church in Elizabethtown, taught Sunday School for many years at Owensboro Christian Church, and attended Christ Community Church in his last few years. He served with the Boy Scouts of America, even taking a group on an adventure from Elizabethtown to Canada once. In the early 80s, John and Jo Ann volunteered at the Companion House (homeless and temporary housing shelter) in Elizabethtown. John enjoyed playing golf, listening to gospel music, driving his old Ford tractor, and spending time with his grandkids. John’s faith, huge heart, and quick smile will be missed by many. He leaves a life well lived. The family will hold a private memorial to celebrate his life later this spring. His family appreciates your prayers, your thoughts, and your love. Also, John’s family wants to express gratitude to the devoted, wonderful staff at Atria in Elizabethtown who loved John as their own family. Angels truly work there. Condolences may be expressed on the Brown Funeral Home website, www.brownfuneral.com, or by a donation in John Tabb’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association. Please mail any donations to Atria, c/o Jamie, 133 Heartland Drive, Elizabethtown, Ky. 42701. This will ensure the donations are dedicated to the Kentucky chapter. Thoughts also may be shared by sending a card with a special message or memory to the family to the same address c/o Jo Ann Tabb. Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

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