Michael Stephen "Steve" Tabler, 74, of Middleburg, FL went home to be with the Lord on June 26, 2023.

Steve, who was originally named Juan Amado Oreamundo Vargas, was born in Costa Rica on July 12, 1948 to his biological parents, Amado Oreamundo Arce and Honoria Vargas. His young childhood in Costa Rica was marked by poverty, and consequently his parents ended up placing him for adoption. Steve was adopted by his adoptive parents, Ned and Francis Tabler, on January 8, 1956 and then renamed Michael Steven Tabler. His father Ned served in the military, so after his adoption he went on to live in Bermuda for a period before his family settled in Orange Park, FL. Steve graduated from Orange Park High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force for four years, during which time he also served in the Vietnam War. He went on to work for Publix Supermarkets for 30 years before retiring with them as a driver. Steve was a very kind hearted and generous person. He was a born again Christian who loved to study the Bible and tell others about Jesus. Steve was a very proud Daddy and Paw Paw and he loved to spend time with, and do for, his family. He will be missed greatly but his family knows he is rejoicing with the Lord, sitting at the feet of Jesus, and finally having all of his questions answered by the Father himself.

Steve was predeceased in death by his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Marie Head (Adam); his son Matthew David Tabler; his grandsons, Michael Joseph Flowers, Joshua Cory Flowers, and Christopher Walter Head; his granddaughter Jennifer Nicole Veach; his great grandson Kaydin Braxton Young; as well as a variety of other family and friends. The family would like to acknowledge the staff of Windsor at Ortega for giving Steve excellent, compassionate care in his final months and days.

A Celebration of Steve's life will be held on July 12, 2023 at Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32211.   The family will receive guests at 10 am and the service will begin at 11 am.  Directly after the service, interment with military honors will follow across the street at Arlington Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Steve's honor to the VFW, to honor the love and compassion he showed towards veterans throughout the years.

Please use this link to attend the service virtually through Zoom: https://www.econdolence.com/qfh3dj1n