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Alton D. Talbott

TALBOTT

Alton Dane Talbott, affectionately known as “A.D.,” went to his heavenly home on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in the loving care of WV Caring at Valentine Personal Care Home.

A.D. had been in failing health for several months, more seriously ill since June. His brothers and his wife were at his bedside at the time of his death.

He was born March 31, 1942, in Elkins, a son of the late Kenneth E. and Virginia Loving Talbott.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Raines Talbott and only child Paula K. Talbott and fiance Steven Nida.

He leaves to cherish his memory three sisters; Jane L. (Julian) Vanscoy, Virginia Ann (Willis) Digman and Linda K. (Jack) Joiner, and three brothers; Kenneth E. (Janet), Daniel W. (Suzi) and William K. (Beverly) Talbott, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was a sister, Charlene Raikes and brother-in-law, Tom Raikes and his brother, David F. Talbott.

A.D. graduated from Elkins High School, was a member of the EHS band. He was a 21-year veteran of the West Virginia Army National Guard where he proudly served his state and country. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church and had served on the board of trustees. He volunteered to help with church projects and maintenance work with his father. He was a 15-year member of American Legion Post 29. He was an avid bowler for many years, enjoyed the stock car racing at Kerens and had a love of animals, especially dogs.

A.D. began working with his father and uncles at Talbott Paint and Glass in 1960. In working along side of his father, he gained a valuable knowledge of painting applications and color principles. He also became a glazier, glass worker, under the direction of his uncle Dorwin Talbott. He assumed the love of painting and color matching was a gift from his dad, who he referred to as “the master.”

Later, he worked in North Carolina as a paint store manager for Cal-Tone Paints. Then he moved again after nine years in North Carolina to Charlottesville, Virginia, getting closer to home. He was an assistant manager at Phillips Building Supply for 10 years and returned to Elkins in 2002. Part-time work was his ambition at 62 years old, so Advance Auto and Ace Hardware were his last ventures before full-time retirement. He had a gift for building items of wood, especially balsawood so his real love of flying model airplanes and gliders took up his leisure time, along with his buddies Paul Grindle, Vince Johnkaski and two brothers. He was always building another model airplane, helping others with their craft but found time in 1978 to build a neat little home with help from his father, brothers and friend Austin Schoonover.

Although A.D. battled through several surgeries and many strokes, he tried to remain upbeat and smiling. Even when he became wheelchair bound, he was cheerful until June of this year when he became very ill.

A.D. made a request to donate his remains to WVU Human Gift Registry. There will be no formal funeral or burial service. A farewell memorial will be planned in the future for close friends and family.

Gifts of donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 412 Randolph Ave., Elkins, WV 26241, in memory of A.D. Talbott.