Obituaries

Oba Lay Talbott, 94, of Evansville, went home to be with his Lord on Friday August 10, 2012, at Heritage Center after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer.
Oba was born March 17, 1918 in Grandview, Indiana to Charles and Bertha (Rout) Talbott. One of 12 children, he enjoyed reading, gardening, fishing, bird watching, playing pool at SWIRCA, and sports of any kind, especially the St. Louis Cardinals. Oba blessed many with his beautiful and very talented harmonica playing. A devout American and Christian, Oba was a 66+ year member of Bible Center-The Cathedral, where he selflessly volunteered as a basketball coach and church bus driver. Besides being a devoted supporter for Haitian orphans at the church sponsored orphanage, he volunteered his time painting the orphanage in Haiti. Oba was a proud citizen of this great country and loved to fly the American Flag. He felt honored when he was given a flag that had been flown over the United States Capitol on January 28, 1983 by the Honorable Frank McCloskey, member of Congress. Oba could always be seen sporting a “flag” lapel pin to show his patriotism. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post #1114 Wabash. Oba, a loyal patriot, served his country well. He joined the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) at age 17, and then enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 18. After an honorable discharge, and after working at Servel, Inc. as a welder, he re-enlisted at age 29 in the U.S. Army Air Force Base, Unit Infantry. A modest and humble soldier, Oba’s battles and campaigns included: Egypt-Libia, Tunisia, Sicily, Rome-Arno, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Southern France, Central Europe, Ardennes, Air Offensive Europe, and Plosesti. Decorations and citations include EAME Theater Ribbon with 12 bronze stars, Good Conduct Ribbon, Distinguished Unit Citation, Army of Occupation, CIB and Korea Service Medal, among others. In 1938 while serving in Panama, he placed second in the Olympics for the 100 yard dash, sponsored by the military. An avid fitness buff, he was proud to have been an exercise instructor while serving in the military. Besides serving in the Korean War and World War II, his military career took him to 12 countries.
Oba retired from Mesker Steel in 1969 after 17 years, due to an injury at age 51. Other work history included Whirlpool, Sunbeam Plastics, International Steel, Bucyrus Erie and Peerless Pottery.
Preceded in death by his parents; his 11 siblings: brothers; Ray, Omar, William and Lawrence Talbott, and sisters; Maggie, Emma Grace and Flora Talbott, Vista Daughtery, Viola Hutchinson, Beatrice Shirel, Gertrude Creson and his wife, “the love of my life” Willa Mae Talbott in 2010.
Left to cherish his memory, daughter Joyce (Jim) Allen, Phoenix, AZ; step daughter and devoted caregiver, Donna Ratcliffe of Evansville; grandchildren; great grandchildren; nieces, nephews; and special caregiver and great-niece, Kathy Curtis, RN; and special “Grand-dog” Moses.
Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Orphanage of Haiti, c/o Bible Center-The Cathedral, 5000 N. First Ave, Evansville, IN 47710.
Oba’s family would like to express a special thank you to the Heritage Center, staff and residents, Doctors Terry South and Paul Siami, Bible Center-The Cathedral Church family; friends; neighbors and co-workers for their love, prayers, concern and for the loving care by the Rick Taylor family, (Rick, Tracey, Josh) often referred to by Oba as “the son I never had,” for unselfishly making sure that Oba got to attend his beloved Sunday School and Church at Bible Center-The Cathedral. God Bless each and every one of you, for the role you played in our beloved Oba’s life!
Friends may visit from 1:00 to until 7:00PM, Sunday August 12, 2012 at Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Ave, Evansville, IN 47711 and on Monday August 13, 2012 from 10:00 AM to service time. Services will be 1:00 PM, Monday at Browning Funeral Home with entombment in Alexander Memorial Park, with Military Rites by Retired Veterans Memorial Club.
Condolences may be made online at www.browningfuneral.com <http://www.browningfuneral.com>.