Joseph B. Taberner

Joseph Bryan Taberner, age 83, passed away on Friday, December 7, 2012 at the Waterford at Levis Commons in Perrysburg. Joe was born November 8, 1929 in Toledo to John and Ethel Taberner. He was a 1947 graduate of Libbey High School where he was All-Ohio and All-City in football in 1946. Joe attended the University of Kentucky where he was coached by Bear Bryant his freshman year before switching to the Ohio State University. After graduation, he joined the US Air Force and was stationed in Spokane, WA from 1950-1954. Joe returned to Toledo where he had a successful sales career in the beverage industry. He was sales manager for Buckeye Beer, general sales manager at Seaway Beverage, and later for Heidelburg Distributing before retiring in 2008. Joe was also a sportscaster with Four Star Sports Final alongside his brothers, Doug and Orris. He and his longtime friend, Frank Gilhooley, broadcast Ohio State Football games during the 1960s and early 70s. A lifelong sports lover, Joe was president of the Downtown Coaches Association during his years with Buckeye Beer and was also a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame. Joe is survived by his children, Lori Jim Creemens, Brian Jana Taberner, and Jeffrey Sherri Taberner; grandchildren, Scott Jen, Taylor, Kristie Tennell, Bruce, Candace, Joey, Charles, Shanon, and Michael; great-grandchildren, Harper and Austin; brother, Orris Tabner; and the mother of his children, Shirley Taberner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Teresa; son, Mark Joseph; and siblings, Doug, Jack, and Doreen. Visitation will be on Friday, December 14, 2012 from 2-8:00pm at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. west of Corey Rd. with a Scripture Service at 7:00pm. Funeral Services will begin on Saturday at 9:30am with prayers at the funeral home followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 4227 Bellevue Rd. Toledo, OH 43613. Memorial Contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church. Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com.