John Frederick Taborn

John Frederick Taborn passed away peacefully Tuesday November 10th, 2026 at his home in Austin, Texas. John was 97 years old at the time of his passing. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 21, 2026 at Cook Walden Funeral Home 9700 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX 78750, reception to follow after the service.

John F. Taborn was born May 25, 1929 in Flint, Michigan, son of Audrey Marie (Newman) Taborn and Theodore Taborn. John was the 2nd oldest of 7 children when his parents moved the family to Hamden, Ohio in 1939. As a young boy, John delivered newspapers to the local townspeople and of course, everyone in town knew him by name. He enjoyed playing basketball and continued playing for 4 years on the Varsity team until he graduated Hamden High School. In 1949, he enlisted in the United States Navy beginning his long and dedicated military career. He later enlisted in the United States Army reserves in 1952 and then went active duty in 1956 continuing his journey in the Korean war, multiple deployments in Vietnam and support missions to Europe and Middle East. He had a full and decorated career and retired from his service as a Sergeant Major (E9) in 1979. Following his retirement from the military, he was employed with the University of Texas Police Department for an additional 15 years before fully retiring.

John lived a life of selfless service in the military and UT Police department. John had a love for the outdoors and could often be found working in the yard and chatting with passers-by. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved spending time on Lake Travis with a rod in one hand, a beer in the other, and puffing on his cigar. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandson and granddaughter and looked forward to watching UT football and Dallas Cowboy games. He was admired and respected by all, but most importantly, he was kind and generous and always offered a big smile.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Hannelore Taborn; sons, Michael Taborn and Douglas Taborn; grandchildren, Michael Jr. Taborn and Annabelle Reece; siblings, JoAnne Ballard; daughters-in-law, Janet Taborn and Susan Taborn; father-in-law, Joe Joseph and mother-in-law, Margarite Stone; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. John was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Don, Orville Lee, Charles Patrick; sisters, Eleanor June and Martha Katherine.