John Edward Tabaka Jr. of Viburnum, Missouri was born on Monday, November 8, 1954 in St. Louis, Missouri to John Edward Tabaka Sr. and Norma Jean (nee Turner) Tabaka and passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the age of 71 years, 10 months and 12 days.
He joined the United States Marines as a teenager and proudly served his country.
On September 30, 1979, he married Donna Lee Friend.
John spent 30 years working as a painter at the Chrysler Plant in St. Louis, Missouri, before retiring and was a member of the United Auto Workers Union.
In his free time, he enjoyed being outdoors, especially fishing. He also had an interest in remote-control cars, guns and knives, and was an avid NASCAR fan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Sr. and Norma Tabaka; three year old son, John Adam Tabaka; and sister, Lisa Tabaka Bynum.
He is survived by his son, Jake Tabaka of Union, Missouri; granddaughter, Harmony Tabaka; siblings, Linda (Earl) Kettler of Kimswick, Missouri, Mark (Kris) Tabaka of St. Charles, Missouri and Tony (Linda) Tabaka of Denver, Colorado; other relatives and friends.
The family chose cremation as John’s final disposition and will have an inurnment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri at a later date.
Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
