Roger Jay Taber, 1954-2019

Roger Jay Taber, 64, of Dayton passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Aug. 2, in Dayton. He was born on Sept. 11, 1954 in Flint, Michigan, to the late Clarence C. and Littisha Maud Porter Taber. Roger graduated from Chippewa Hills High School in 1972 and completed Iron Worker’s School in 1977 at Mott Community College in Michigan. In December 1977, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving until his honorable discharge in October 1984. During his time in the Army, Roger was a mechanic who was stationed in areas such as Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Stuttgart, Germany and Fort Stewart, Georgia.

Roger was an iron worker for most of his career in new construction. He was a member of the Iron Workers Local 25 Union in Michigan. Roger was an avid sports fan, especially of any Michigan sports teams. He also enjoyed drawing and spending time with his family. Roger’s favorite hobby of all was his being with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his beloved canine companions.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; his grandsons, Travis McCall and Mitchell Turner; his brothers, David Taber and Daniel Taber; his best friend, Lee David Turner; and his daughter-in-law, Dennes Hazenfelt Taber. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his children, Dawn McCall and husband Jeff of Dayton, April White and husband John Jr. of Houston, Joshua Taber and wife Alanna of Foreman, Arkansas, Michelle Taber and husband Jon McLain of Dayton and Stephanie Platt and husband Christopher Scott of Dayton; his 27 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; his former wife of 25 years, Paula Kelley of Dayton; his siblings, John Taber and wife Margaret “Kay” of Lennon, Michigan, and Charlotte Gray of Evart, Michigan; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

A memorial visitation will be held beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in the chapel of Sterling Funeral Home, 602 N. Main Street in Dayton. A celebration of Roger’s life will immediately follow at 12 p.m., with Pastor Gene Summers officiating.

Condolences can be shared online with the family by visiting SterlingFuneralHome.com.