Barbara Jean Tabor

Barbara Jean Tabor, age 86 of Clinton MO. Passed away peacefully at Glendale Gardens Assisted Living, surrounded by her family. She was the sixth of nine children born to George and Maureen French.

Barbara’s early life saw the family moving from Kansas City MO, to the rural area between Dayton and Creighton where she attended Garden City school during her sophomore year she met the love of her life Marvin Eugene Tabor and they were married on February 2nd 1957 their marriage lasted 46 years until his passing. Together they raised five children Melvin, Billy, Darrell, Pam and Sandy primarily in the Garden City area. Beyond her role as a devoted mother Barbara had a variety of jobs, she worked at the Garden City sewing factory and served as a cafeteria lunch lady at Sherwood High School. Alongside Marvin she operated 3 water trucks providing essential service to the community before water lines were established. This job brought her joy as she cherished the friendships formed with the same customers each week. Barbara was well known for her green GMC adorned with the little black elephant. Later in her career she worked for Peterson's Manufacturing in Grandview MO until her retirement. Following her retirement she and Marvin moved to Truman lake area, where they enjoyed fishing and traveling. Barbara especially loved spending time with her grandchildren often welcoming them for visits or weeklong vacations. In 2002 she returned to Creighton where she enjoyed life until moving to Clinton for assistance from her daughter, Pam who preceded her in death. During her time at Glendale Gardens Barbara thrived in crafts and games, always lighting up when visited by her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Barbara was active participant in the Red Hat lady's organization and enjoyed monthly gatherings with the senior citizens group in Creighton where she valued the fellowship and friendships formed.

She is survived by her son Darrell Tabor and wife, Judy, of Corpus Christi ,TX; daughter, Sandy Ayler and spouse, Dennis, of Creighton MO.;stepson Billy Tabor of Windsor MO; daughter-in-law Linda Tabor of Archie, MO; siblings, Bruce French of Windsor Missouri, Carol Brown and Libby Longacre both of Garden City MO ;15 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Marvin Tabor; daughter Pamela Burton; stepson Melvin Tabor; granddaughter Ashley Tabor and siblings Edith Thomas, Clarence French, James French, Forrest French and Audrey Cox.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends who lives she is touched with her warmth and kindness.

Visitation will be held 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

Graveside Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at Garden City Cemetery, Garden City, Missouri. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Creighton Community of Care and send in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.