Rev. Robert Sterling Taber
April 17, 2015
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Service Details
Rev. Robert "Bob" Sterling Taber, 87, resident of Urbandale, IA, was welcomed into Heaven by his Savior, Jesus, on April 17, 2015 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Visitation will be at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA, on Sunday, May 3, 2015, from 4 to 6 p.m. A memorial service for Bob will be held at First Federated Church, 4801 Franklin Avenue in Des Moines on Monday, May 4, at 10:00 a.m., with burial to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Hubbard Cemetery in his hometown of Hubbard, Iowa.
Bob was born to Sterling "Steve" and Ruth Taber on January 3, 1928, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up in the farming town Hubbard, Iowa where he was born again by faith in Jesus at the age of 17. There he also met Lois Eller who would be his wife for 66 years. The Christian faith of her parents, Rudy and Irene Eller, was a major influence in his life.
Together Bob and Lois moved from Iowa to Oregon so that he could attend Western Evangelical Seminary. Upon graduation he served as a minister first in Marshalltown, IA for 4 years, followed by a pastorate in Davenport, IA for 8 years. He then became a career missionary with One Mission Society, a non-denominational faith mission, establishing a regional office in the U.S. to represent missionary work being done worldwide. During their 50 years with OMS, Bob and Lois ministered in 27 countries. Bob will be remembered for his genuine desire to connect with people and to help them get connected to the love of Jesus.
Bob is survived by his wife, Lois E. Taber, of Urbandale, IA; two sons, Randy (Gwen) Taber of IA and Jeffrey (Karla) Taber of MN; two daughters, Kathy (Tim) Fox of Mexico and Susan (Lee) Cramer of TX; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Ruth Taber and his sister Jean (Marc) Barnes.
Memorial contributions may be made to One Mission Society for ministries in Russia and India.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Michelle Altug
05/09/2015
Dear Tabers, continuing to pray for the comfort of the Holy Spirit in your time of sorrow. May your days ahead be filled with sweet memories and hope in Christ's promised resurrection home. Much love and gratitude, Michelle
Diana Culp
05/05/2015
Dear Josh and family, So sorry for your loss. I know your Grandfather will be sorely missed. Love, The Culp-Robinson's
Randall and Debra Niles
05/04/2015
Dear Josh and awesome family, So sorry for your loss. Your grandfather seemed to be a tremendous man, leader, and patriarch. What a fantastic legacy! Until we all meet in heaven one day, PEACE and COMFORT to your entire clan, Love, The Niles
Mark and Becky Waters
05/04/2015
"Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers." Proverbs 17:6.
I never knew Rev. Taber, but I have the privilege of knowing his grandson Josh, who represents the Taber name well, with Godliness, hard work, and a selfless love for his family. What a wonderful legacy! May God grant your entire family peace and hopeful joy of a future reunion through this time of separation.
Jim and Laurra Fitzgerald
05/04/2015
Dear Josh and Family,
Our heartfelt condolences to you at the passing of your grandfather. We are praying for comfort for you and your family at this time.
Love, Jim and Laurra
Verne & Alice Gray
05/02/2015
Bob Taber has been so dear to our hearts all of these years,after all it was he who married us and Bob and Lois were our mentors during the years of our Christian growth and our call to the mission field. Many blessings on all of the family. You have our deepest sympathy. We will be there in Des Moines Sunday and Monday.
Dr. Robert (Bob) Erny of One Mission Society
04/29/2015
Dear Lois,
You and Bob have been such a blessing to us personally and to all of us in One Mission Society, and throughout the world. Bob lived life to the fullest and shared Christ with all his life and energy. Now he is enjoying the reward of a race well run.
Bill Eddy
04/29/2015
Dear Aunt Lois and family,
I can count on one hand the men who have most influenced me: my maternal grandfather, my father, a professor at Asbury and LeTourneau and Uncle Bob. Your husband/father taught me the value of loving people in deputation and I will always be indebted to him for that.
For many missionaries deputation is the bad part of missions... to go out and ask for money... for Uncle Bob it was the privilege of a missionary... go out and make friends, see how to meet their needs, develop long lasting relationships and let the Lord do the rest... people were not a means to an end (i.e. people were not the tool to use to get money and do the real work of the Lord overseas). So deputation became one of the most enjoyable aspects of missions because I saw the example in Uncle Bob and Aunt Lois... again I say I will always be in debt to you for that.
His passion for the lost was never watered down by the extreme physical needs that were presented in the many mission fields of One Mission´s presence. Yes, we need to help the radio station in Haiti, but we need to help them so they can better share the Gospel... again a cornerstone in the discipleship I received at the feet of Uncle Bob...
I am a better person, Christian, and missionary because God saw fit to put Uncle Bob and Aunt Lois in my life.
Bishop M Ezra Sargunam & Bishop D Sundar Singh
04/29/2015
We are sorry to learn that Rev. Bob Taber has gone to be with the Lord. We from India thank God for his life and ministry which he so faithfully did for many, many years. He loved India. Every time he and his wife visited India our pastors were challenged and believers blessed. He was a man of vision, mission and passion..... our deep condolences to Lois and the other members of the bereaved family.
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord Rev 14:13
Bryan & Becky Tullos
04/24/2015
Dear Lois and family, your God truly blessed you when he put Bob in your lives. We have known and helped support Bob for many years, and he was always an inspiration to be associated with. Thank you for sharing him.
bht
Keith & Carol Iddings
04/22/2015
We rejoice with you that Bob is glorying at the feet of Jesus. At the same time our hearts go out to you for God's comfort as you adjust to Bob's physical absence. We have such fond memories of time spent with you, together serving and praising the Lord! Our love to all of you, Keith & Carol
Becky McCotter
04/21/2015
Oh, Aunt Lois!! Sad with you--it has been QUITE a TREK! But rejoicing in the hope of our salvation--of joining Uncle Bob on a tour of the Celestial City--and, of course, with Grandma Irene!--and the rest of 'em. Such fun AHEAD!
Love you, Your niece, Becky Ann
Gail Zollinhofer Quigg
04/21/2015
So very sorry for your loss yet rejoicing when I think about the reception of Bob received in heaven. I didn't really know him, but at college I roomed with one of his daughters and met some of his children. His legacy will continue through the lives of the children he and Lois raised and I was fortunate to learn from them. I hope you all will receive comfort and strength as you hear how God touched many lives through (and because of) Bob. May your "gathering and remembering" at the services be special.
Jim and Nell Oldham
04/20/2015
Dear Taber family, we rejoice with you that Bob is with Jesus. Of course we grieve with you of the loss of a great husband, father and friend. We remember the first Missions in the Mountains like it was yesterday. The Taber family has been a wonderful influence in our life in our walk with Jesus and we cherish your friendship.
Love,
Jim and Nell
Lee Cramer
04/19/2015
Bob Taber was truly a man after God's own heart. Jesus said, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Bob accepted His challenge as a young man and never looked back! On Bob & Lois' 60th wedding anniversary year, my wife (their youngest daughter) and I had the privilege of accompanying them to the Billy Graham Cove in North Carolina to learn more about the legacy of Rev. Graham, one of Bob's role models during his years as pastor & missionary. While touring the campus, I knew that I was not only looking at the story of a great world evangelist, but that I was standing right next to one!