Donald Arthur Tabbutt, Jr., was born on July 24, 1948 to Donald and Virginia (Weidemeyer) Tabbutt in Clearwater, Florida. He passed away on November 1, 2016 at Tampa Community Hospital in Tampa, Florida at the age of 68.
Family
Don was preceded in death by his father, Donald, his beloved wife of 31 years, Kob Kongdee Tabbutt, and his son, Jason Edward Tabbutt. He is survived by his loving wife, Melody A. McDonnell and his mother, Virginia W. Tabbutt, both of Tampa, Florida; his daughter, Virginia R. Tabbutt of Seattle, Washington; his twin brother, Richard Tabbutt and his wife Donna of Cashmere, Washington; his two sisters, Jacquelyn Keselowsky and her husband George of Madison, Florida, and Robin Bugna and her husband Jack of Tampa, Florida. Don is also survived by his three granddaughters, Vivianne Tabbutt of Seattle, Washington, Jenna Tabbutt, and Zoey Tabbutt, both of Louisville, Kentucky, as well as many extended family and friends.
Military History and Awards
During his 11-year military career TSgt Tabbutt was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Longevity Service Award with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device. His military education included Management for Air Force Supervisor, OJT Training Course, Supervisor Orientation Course, Air Force Maintenance Management and Data Collection Systems Course, Tech Instructor Course, Applied Instructional Systems Development Course and the Tech Publications Course. He served in the positions of Weapons Control Systems Technician and Weapons Control Systems Instructor.
Civilian Career and Personal Interests
Following his military service, Don enjoyed a highly successful career with Spacelabs Medical and Zoll Medical corporations. In his positions as sales representative, customers greatly appreciated his in-depth knowledge of complex products such as telemetry-enabled cardiac monitoring systems, and he consistently won top sales honors.
Don was a professionally skilled photographer, an avid astronomer and published astrophotographer, who, as chairman of the board of the Louisville Astronomical Society, edited its monthly newsletter while steering the club through the construction of an observatory in Curby, Indiana. He played rhythm guitar and sang in a band called The Feedhorn Nutation while stationed in Japan. Once home, he burnished many extended family gatherings leading everyone in song. He also became an instrument certified, private pilot. In all of his interests, he generously coached and mentored others, sharing his abilities and sense of wonder.
Graveside Service with Military Honors
A graveside service with military honors is scheduled for Friday, January 27, 2017 at 1:30 PM at Bay Pines National Cemetery with the United States Air Force providing military honors along with the Pinellas County Veterans Council. Guests should plan to arrive at Bay Pines National Cemetery at 1:00 PM.
Special Acknowledgments
In lieu of flowers family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Bay Pines VA Fisher House.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
My cousin Don was such an incredible man who taught me so much as a child and as an adult he instilled many more personal values on me. This is such a great loss to the family, but he is at peace and watching us all.
Jackie, George and Families so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. What an accomplishment he has shown in his life. We will always be thankful for his service to our country. I know he will be missed. May God be with the family and bless each one.
My heart is so full of so many memories of growing up with you, my big brother, as protector, friend, and sometimes tormentor :>). And throughout our lives of so many family get-togethers, sing-alongs, and trips together. I so wish we could have taken that trip we planned earlier this year. I will love you and miss you forever my dearest Don.