William Robert ‘Bill’ Talbot

He was born Sept. 13, 1941, at Zanesville, Ohio, a son of the late Robert Miles and Georgianna Lentz Talbot.

On Oct. 9, 1999, he was united in marriage to the former Carol Ann Opdyke, who survives at their home near Belington.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Kristen Toothman Huckle of Salem, Ohio, and Kelly Talbot of Davis, West Virginia; and three grandchildren, Taylor Toothman, Trent Toothman and Trey Toothman.

Also surviving are three great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Jesse Talbot; one brother, Joe Talbot; and one sister, Sally Sowers.

Mr. Talbot was a graduate of the Crooksville High School in Ohio and graduated from Fairmont State College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and also graduated from West Virginia University with a Master’s Degree in Counseling.

For 24 years he spent working at the J.L. Simpson Middle School in Leesburg, Virginia, as a guidance counselor. When moving to Barbour County, he suggested the family become involved with the Animal Friends of Barbour County. He was an avid gardener and naturalist and had received two certificates recognizing him as a Master Gardener and Master Naturalist. He definitely enjoyed the outdoors and working on his hobby farm in Barbour County. He enjoyed identifying birds on his property by using his Merlin Bird App on his phone and was formerly a pigeon breeder and racer.

Music was a big part of his life and he was known for his two albums he recorded; Memories, and Greetings from Barbour County. As a singer/songwriter and musician, he was a member of the Blue Ridge Nite Crawlers music group for over 30 years. He played bass guitar for the Helvetia Star Band. He was responsible for creating the Memorial Day celebration known as the Jubilee, that lasted over 40 years. He was a devoted husband and father and in later years he could be found with his rescue dog by his side. He was part of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, where he was recently honored with a lifetime award. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Per his request cremation will be honored. There are no services scheduled at this time, but a celebration of life will be conducted at a later date.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the Animal Friends of Barbour County P.O. Box 452 Philippi, WV 26416, or the Theta Delta Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon c/o Mr. Jamie Kosik, TKE Alumni President, 2188 White Hall Blvd, White Hall, WV 26554.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.talbottfuneralhome.com.

The Talbott Funeral Home in Belington is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. William Robert Talbot.