ROCK FALLS — Forrest Lynn “Tabe” Tabor was born Aug. 24, 1913, in Bement, and grew up on a farm. He graduated from Bement High School in 1931. After attending Western Illinois University for 2 years, he taught in a one-room school in Piatt County. Returning to college in the summers, he completed his degree in 1939, the same year he married Geraldine Keyes. He received his Master of Arts in Educational Administration from the University of Illinois in 1941.
Tabe taught at Roxanna, Milford, and Marshall before accepting an offer to teach aerial navigation for the Navy at DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind. After 2 years there, he applied for a commission in the Navy, and served as navigator on the destroyer USS Metcalfe DD-595 in the Pacific during World War II.
Returning to Illinois, Tabe was principal at Coal City High School before coming to Rock Falls High School, where he served as principal, then superintendent, from 1950 to 1973. During those years, he was involved in renovations of the high school building, was a leader in the establishment of Sauk Valley Community College and the Bi-County Special Education Cooperative, and served as president of the Illinois High School Association.
Over his career in education, Tabe taught students in first grade through college. He taught subjects from math to English to science to navigation, was a speech-drama and assistant football coach, and was an administrator.
Although he lived frugally, Tabe was expansively generous with his time, devotion, dedication, skills, and resources for his family, relatives, neighbors, colleagues, students, and community causes. He was an able carpenter, electrician, plumber, and gardener, and his “bibbies” (bib overalls) were his favorite clothes. An accomplished public speaker with a resonant voice, he also enjoyed spinning tales and telling jokes.
He was delighted to remain in his house until his death. Tabe appreciated the companionship of his cat Tiger, the attentiveness of his caregivers, and visits by friends and family. His interest in the high school and the sports program there never faded.
He is survived by his son, Thom (Carol) Tabor of Chillicothe, daughter Laura Tabor of Wheaton, granddaughters Christy Tabor, Julie McCormick, and Kambria Chott, and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Glenn Tabor; and his wife, Gerry.
A service will be at a later date, to be announced.
Memorials may be made to the “Forrest L. Tabor Memorial Fund” in care of the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls, and may be designated for Rock Falls Township High School, the Rock Falls Public Library, or the Rock Falls United Methodist Church.