Herman Talley went to his heavenly home June 6, 2018. He had a service heart which he followed for 96 years serving his God, Country, Home, and Community. Herman grew up fishing, hunting and riding horses with his brother Ray along the Brazos River near Graham, Texas. Like so many other young men during World War II he found himself far from home serving first on Tinian Island and later in Massachusetts. He was recalled during the Korean War and decided to make the United States Air Force his career. After serving in Vietnam he retired in 1975 with 32 years of service. Chief Master Sgt Talley received two Meritorious Service medals and many other service related decorations.
Herman retired to Paris, Texas where he enjoyed his farm while raising cattle, horses and tending bees and his garden. Herman also began a second career as a home builder. In 1978 he and his partner Gerald Tomes received the Outstanding Builder’s Award. He built homes and owned rental property for many years. Herman also loved animals and in his younger years raised parakeets, rabbits, ducks, and mink.
Herman dedicated his life to serving God as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, bus driver, lay minister and wherever else he was called to serve. He was also instrumental in founding mission churches and building churches in the Philippine Islands, New Jersey, Lubbock and Wichita Falls.
Herman served his community through many volunteer capacities. He was a Little League coach, Boy Scout Leader, United Way volunteer, served on the board of the Red River Valley Girl Scout Council and served on the Chisum School District appraisal district board. In 2004 the Chisum Middle School gymnasiums were named in honor of Herman and Bonnie Talley.
Herman loved his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many.
Herman was married to his first love Elsie for 43 years. She preceded him in death. Herman is survived by their two children Jim Talley, Pat Talley Byrne and husband Joseph. Grandchildren Brian Talley and wife Erika, Jennifer Keefe and husband Patrick, Sarah Smith and husband Nathan, Desel Hair and also four great-grandchildren. Herman loved and will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Herman was blessed to share his love with Bonnie Neal Powers Talley for over 27 years. Bonnie also brought a loving family into his life. Herman is preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Ann Powers Prather. He is survived by his wife Bonnie and son-in-law Bill Powers and wife Rochelle, Val Prather and wife Beverly, grandchildren Brian Powers and wife Jodell, Sarah Hess and husband Mitch, Jude Prather and wife Kathy, Joe Prather and fiancé Raquel Aguilar, Jade Powers, Brooke Newman and husband Sean,
Autumn Parsons and husband Ty, John Powers and also seven great-grandchildren.
Services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 9th, at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Martin officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow in
Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com
