William Edward Talbott

William Edward Talbott, age 90 of La Grande, died, Saturday, December 2, 2006 at a local care center. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 8, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley. Interment will follow at the Hillcrest East Cemetery. Viewing will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2006 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande.

William Talbott was born on December 17, 1915, the son of Clarence and Hattie (Short) Talbott in Dodge City, Kansas. At an early age his family traveled by touring car to La Grande where they settled. William attended schools in La Grande and on September 1, 1935 he married Mary Svetich. He worked for the State of Oregon Highway Department and in the Portland ship yards for a time before moving back to La Grande where he worked as an electrician for Eastern Oregon University for 18 years until his retirement in July of 1977. He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, The Knights of Columbus and the electricians union. He was a great historian and shared many stories with children in area schools. William enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking and loved the mountains.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Talbott of La Grande; sister, Grace Carpenter of Lewiston, Idaho, brother, Manson Talbott of Battle Ground, Washington; numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Virginia Talbott, and brothers and sisters, Hershel Talbott, Ernie Talbott, Pauline Yohn and June Christensen.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of William Talbott to the charity of their choice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon, 97850.