John M. Tabera

John M. Tabera, 82, of Gonzales, went to be with his heavenly Father on Feb. 3. John was born on June 26, 1936, in Gonzales, Texas, to Lino and Lidia Tabera and was the oldest of two children.

On Oct. 17, 1955, John married the love of his life, Lenora Alvarez and soon started a family. John lived as an exemplary father and husband. He encouraged his family to keep their faith and to pursue their individual passions, according to God’s will, offering constant support and love.

John was a successful entrepreneur and businessman. Starting his career as a migrant worker, John took the initiative in 1968 and opened “John’s Flower Shop.” Through the special talents he was given from God, John became a pillar of the community and with a joyful spirit he successfully operated his business for over 50 years, serving Gonzales and the surrounding communities.

Apart from running his flower shop, John served in the Texas National Guard, was member of the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus (3rd degree), Citizen Advisory Committee for the Gonzales Independent School District, charted and was the president for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council of Gonzales and was a leader and driver for diversity in the community.

When not working, John could be found out on the water. John was an avid fisherman and was a member of the Gonzales Bass Club, earning the title of “Angler of the Year” on multiple occasions. John could also be found meticulously tending to his lawn and various plants and enjoying the fellowship of the ‘coffee club.’

John was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and worked passionately for the betterment of his parish. He devotedly and diligently served his church in various capacities throughout his life. John witnessed his faith according to Matthew’s gospel, chapter 20 verse 28 –

“Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

John is loved and will be greatly missed by Lenora, his loving wife of 62 years, children Dorothy Garza (Ray) of Corpus Christi, Texas, JoAnn Villasana (Rey) of Kyle, Texas, John T. Tabera (Lupe) of Merritt Island, Florida, Ruben Tabera (Edith) of Portland, Texas, Lydia Ornelas (David) of San Antonio, Texas, Robert Tabera of Gonzales, Texas, sister Emilia Arriola of Gonzales, Texas, grandchildren, Mark Tabera (Dora), Tracy Solis (Jacob), Brittany Villasana (Ryan Sanchez), Juan Rey Villasana, Amorina Tabera, Bella Tabera, Thomas Tabera, Nickolina Tabera, Alexa Atkinson (Leo), Diego Tabero and Grecia Tabera, great grandchildren, Javan Tabera, Anai Tabera, Emma Solis, Max Solis and Phoenix Atkinson and his faithful four-legged companion Guero.

“Well done good and faithful servant, the crown of righteousness awaits you…”

A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6 in Seydler-Hill Home preceded by visitation from 5-7 p.m. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Paul Raaz officiating. Interment will follow in St. James Cemetery. Pallbearers: Robert Tabera, Mark Tabera, Jacob Solis, Diego Tabera, Leo Atkinson and Ryan Sanchez. Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.