Joe Mannon Talley passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on the morning of February 28, 2021 at the age of 98. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory, Midland, Texas. Viewing will be held at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory on Thursday, March 4, from 8 AM-5 PM. Services will be at 10 AM, Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at Wilson-Little Funeral Home, 127 S. Canadian, Purcell, Oklahoma. Interment to follow at Lexington Cemetery, Lexington, Oklahoma.
Joe M. Talley was born December 9, 1922 in Blanchard, Oklahoma, to parents Burch Lester Talley and Effie Martin Talley. He was one of twelve children. He married his love, Mildred Talley, on April 10, 1942. They were married for seventy-eight and one-half years.
Joe proudly joined the United States Army in 1940 and valiantly fought during World War II as a radio-operator. During his military career, he participated in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded many distinctions such as The Bronze Star and The Purple Heart. After honorably serving his country, he began a long oilfield career with Barnsdall Drilling Co, Frank Frawley Drilling Co, and Johnn Drilling Co, before finally retiring as a tool pusher in 1983.
All through his life, Joe M. Talley loved watching sports whether in-person, listening on the radio, or watching on television. He always rooted for Dallas Cowboys Football, Texas Rangers Baseball, and Oklahoma Sooners Football. He also loved playing blackjack in Las Vegas and once he was unable to travel and walk around Las Vegas any longer, he played numerous hand-held black jack and draw poker games and recently celebrated and shared the news of a big win “Royal Flush” on his favorite game.
Joe is survived by daughter, Bonnie Husband of Midland, Texas; son, Dan Talley of Hobbs, N.M.; granddaughter, Cyndi Pyles and her husband, Doug, of Midland, Texas; grandson, David Husband of Midland, Texas; granddaughter, Candice Talley of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by great-grandsons, Caden Pyles of Midland, Texas, and Colton Pyles of Lubbock, Texas; brothers, Lindell Talley, Lester Talley, Bob Talley and Vic Talley, all of Oklahoma; and sister, Rita Fay Spann of Atlanta, Georgia.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Talley, just 3 months ago; daughte,r Judith Lynn Talley; parents, Effie Martin Talley and Burch Lester Talley; siblings, Jack Talley, Erb Talley, Donnie Talley, Vera May Hindman, Anna Lee Cox and Darlene Autry.
Joe’s family would like to express their gratitude to Stella Hurtado, Joe’s caretaker from Visiting Angels, and Meals on Wheels Midland.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Midland Meals on Wheels, Visiting Angels, and the Veteran’s Association.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
