remembering Gordon Tabor
Gordon Earl Tabor, 64, passed away September 2, 2008 surrounded by his loving family. Gordon was our friend, our partner, and our brother. He is missed. He is a guiding light for Tabor Law Firm as we continue to carry on his legacy of assisting others in their unexpected time of need. Gordon understood that you have to care for those you represent to truly represent them. He was a compassionate specialist in the practice areas the firm that carries his name continues to pursue.
Gordon was born February 23, 1944 in Huntingburg, Indiana to Earl and Kathleen (Peach) Tabor. In 1962, Gordon graduated from Bosse High School in Evansville, Indiana, where as a tennis champion, he earned a full scholarship to Arizona State University. After attending Arizona State for one year, Gordon returned to Indiana and in 1966, graduated from Butler University, where he was President of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He received his law degree from Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis in 1970 and was admitted to the Bar the same year. Gordon was the senior partner of Tabor Law Firm, LLP, where he developed a successful law practice, concentrating on plaintiff’s personal injury and wrongful death law.
A Distinguished Life & Career
During his distinguished law career, Gordon served as President of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Vice-President of the Indianapolis Bar Association and Chairman of the Marion County Medical-Legal Committee.
He was active in the American Board of Trial Advocates as a Charter member and diplomat, serving on its National Board of Directors and as a national
committee member. In the Fall of 1992, Gordon was one of six trial lawyers from the nation to accompany an ABOTA delegation to the Soviet Union to promote and encourage use of the American jury system. One of Gordon’s proudest accomplishments was his induction as a Fellow into the American College of Trial Lawyers and the Indiana College of Trial Lawyers. He was listed in Who’s Who in American Law and was honored by also being designated as one of
the Best Lawyers in America. In 1980, Gordon served on the Ronald Reagan Transition team and was awarded a Sagamore of the Wabash in 1984 by Governor Robert Orr. In 1997, Gordon was presented with the American Board of Trial Advocates Presidential Award of Merit for distinguished service and outstanding leadership as a member of the President’s Council and Chairman of the Speakers Bureau Committee. This same year, he was awarded the Indianapolis Bar Foundation Recognition Award for outstanding and unstinting devotion and service. In 2007 and 2008, Gordon was proudly honored to be nominated by the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association as one of three attorneys for the Trial Attorney of the Year Award. He received the Award in 2008.
Beyond his achievements in his profession, Gordon was active in 
standard bred horseracing. He served on the Indiana Standard Bred Breed Development Committee. He was a fisherman, an avid golfer and member of Hillcrest and Tippecanoe Lake Country Clubs. He also loved spending time with his family, especially summers at Lake Wawasee. Gordon was a member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church.
Gordon is survived by his devoted wife, Lou Ann (Linsmith) Tabor, children, Heather Preusse (Stephen), Anne Miller (Matthew) and Gordon Scott Tabor; grandchildren, Madeline and Evan Preusse, brothers, Roy Tabor (Jennifer), Jeffrey Tabor (Karen), nieces and nephews, Elizabeth, Alex, Luke and Sam Tabor.
In Honor of Gordon
In honor of Gordon’s commitment to education, the Gordon E. Tabor Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established at Butler University. The scholarship will be awarded to undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in the law. Donations can be made to the Gordon E. Tabor Memorial Scholarship Fund at Butler University, 4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46208 .
