C. Lynn Taber

Caleman "Lynn" Taber

Age 90, of Trumansburg, NY, passed away June 24, 2025 at home.

The family will receive friends at Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen on Wednesday (July 2nd) from 11am-12pm; followed by a funeral service at 12pm; and burial at Hector Union Cemetery. A reception will be held at the Mecklenburg Vol. Fire Company. 

He is survived by his wife, Jean Bergen Taber; son, Carl (Jean) Taber; and daughter, Nancy Taber. Also, five grandchildren, Stephen Taber, Sean Taber, Lacey Richards, Lily Cialek, and Luke Richards; and 6 great-grandchildren, Teaghan, Lucy, Penelope, Dylan, Skylar, and Presley.

He was predeceased by his son Paul Taber and daughter-in-law Joan Taber, and sister, Clara Pierson, brother Grant Taber, and granddaughter, Rachel Bower Taber.

Lynn was born February 3, 1935 on his father's 45th birthday. As Lynn's mother was a school teacher, and his two siblings already adults when he was born, Lynn got an early start on his "3Rs" and entered Mecklenburg's two-room/eight-grade schoolhouse in Grade 2. He doubled up on several grades and entered high school in Trumansburg at age 11, graduating at 15 in 1950.

Lynn was a lifelong farmer. He started at an early age, helping his father on the family farm in Mecklenburg, eventually taking over. Highlights included receiving the Future Farmers of America "American Farmer Degree" in Kansas City in 1953 and getting his private pilot's license in 1971. He married the love of his life Jean Bergen — the girl who just happened to have moved in next door -- in 1957. Lynn and Jean's was the first formal wedding held in the newly renovated Mecklenburg United Methodist Church. Lynn's years spanned some tumultuous times. Born on the heels of the Great Depression, his childhood was marked by the threat of polio and the second World War, which lasted from his 4th year through age 10. Lynn recalled being on Main Street in Trumansburg when the news of the war's end broke —sending people streaming into the streets with cries and cheers. He graduated from high school just as the Korean War was starting, and the Vietnam War followed, just as he was starting his family and buying the family farm. During the Cold War, Lynn was trained in Radiological Monitoring, including training as a Civil Defense Instructor. He and Jean weathered the energy crisis of the 70s and the farm crisis of the 80s, raising a family and keeping the farm afloat by very frugal living. Even so, he found time to play softball in a freshly cut hayfield, or to go square dancing with Jean with the "Gingham Squares" club of Watkins/Montour. Lynn was a life member of the Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire  Company and a member of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Legend has it that he got out of a speeding ticket one time by pulling out his pilot's license. He was also a member of the Rotary Clubs of Watkins Glen and later of Trumansburg. Over the years, the family welcomed a long list of colorful characters to the lunch table: hay truckers and veterinarians, equipment salesman and high schoolers looking for work, and many others. Farming didn't leave him much time for hobbies, but he did enjoy woodworking, he faithfully read the daily newspaper, and always encouraged curiosity in his children by readily reaching for the encyclopedia when questions came up during family mealtime conversation. He was happy for a good laugh and a good story, and passed that love along to his children as well. Especially in his later years, he enjoyed game shows and solving the Jumble. Lynn's father, born in 1890, often marveled at technological changes during his life, which saw the transition from horse-drawn power to the moon landing. Like his father, Lynn often commented on how much change he had witnessed in his nine decades.

Those wishing to remember Lynn may consider a memorial donation in his memory to the Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire Company.