Thomas L. Taubken

Thomas Louis Taubken, 80, passed away on Saturday, August 19 after a robust argument with cancer.

Born in Wapakoneta, Ohio to William and Ursula (Oen) Taubken, Tom remembered living a Huck Finn like childhood building forts, fishing, and floating homemade rafts on the Auglaize river.

After graduation from St. Joseph H.S., he worked his way through college, Tri-State University in Angola Indiana, where in 1965 ,he earned his degree in civil engineering.

He immediately began working for Armco Steel in Middletown Ohio where he joined a fledgling department labeled "environmental engineering". His career path led him to construct award winning environmental facilities all over the U.S. and in 18 foreign countries.

Tom was an outdoorsman. He loved skiing, boating, hunting, golf and fishing. Placing dollar wagers on the outcome of most contests. He was an avid reader, particularly of a collection of Louis Lamour books he had inherited from his Dad, which he reread too many times to count. He loved watching the news and aggressively arguing politics. And most recently enjoyed the competition on PlayStation.

Tom is survived by his wife of 50 years, Leslie (Ewing), his sons Tom and Tucker, and his precious grandson, Jenson. Also his brothers Bill (Chris) and Wayne (Sandy), sisters Peg (Jim) Buehler and Mary (John) Herman, and his favorite golfing and fishing buddies. Tom's heaven will include a

fishing hole, a golf course, and wifi for his PlayStation.

In his memory, Tom would ask 3 things of you :

1. Tell your family that you love them.

2. Save your money.

3. Vote republican.

A funeral service for friends and family will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Saturday, September 30 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a celebration of a life well lived, well traveled, and well loved. Please bring your best "Tom" stories.