William E Taber

William Ernest Taber (“Ernie”) was born on August 30, 1936, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Elmer and Hazel Taber. He passed away on January 22, 2026, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Ernie graduated from Prairie Valley School in Earlsboro, Oklahoma, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Oklahoma. He married his high school sweetheart, Edith, on January 21, 1957. Ernie devoted his professional career to Conoco, working in their engineering offices in Ponca City, Oklahoma. At the time of his retirement, he served as Manager of Project Development and Design. His work spanned a wide range of engineering projects, from office buildings to a crude oil processing unit installed in the Arctic Circle, a testament to his expertise and dedication. After the passing of his first wife, Edith, Ernie later married Barbara Bryant, with whom he shared many years of companionship and travel. He was preceded in death by his son, Gregory Taber; his wife, Edith Taber; and his parents, Elmer and Hazel Taber. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Taber; his son, David Taber, and daughter-in-law, Dawn Taber; his daughter-in-law, Kimberly Taber; his sister, Janita Kennedy; his grandchildren, Ashley Stone (husband Erek Stone), Andrew Taber (wife Krista Taber), Abbey Taber, Ryan Taber (wife Catherine Taber), Ethan Taber (fiancée Taylor Sheriff), and Madison Taber (fiancé Collin Bourland); and eight great-grandchildren. Ernie was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping and fishing. He also enjoyed woodworking, taking pride in creating pieces with care and precision, and traveling to many destinations with his wife, Barbara. He will be remembered for his steady presence, his dedication to family, and a life marked by hard work, curiosity, and adventure. The visitation and viewing will be held on Friday, January 30th from 3:00-5:00 pm at Resthaven Funeral Home, 44909 Hwy 3, Shawnee, OK, 74801. A celebration of life will be held on January 31st at 10:00 a.m. at Resthaven Funeral Home . Following the funeral service, a committal service will be held at Resthaven Memorial Park, located at 16006 S Rock Creek Rd, Shawnee, OK 74801, on January 31, 2026, from 11:15 am to 11:30 am.