Talton, John Corbett

John Corbett Talton, 87, of Radford, Va., died from complications of prostate cancer on Tuesday, November 18, 2008, at his son’s home in Richmond, Va.

He was born in Selma, N.C., April 15, 1921, to Thomas and Swannanoa Talton and was one of a family of six brothers and one sister. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Glenn, Thomas and James; and brother-in-law, Dr. William Jarvis.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Jo’Nell Lytton Talton, who was at his side; his son, Dr. John Corbett Talton II and his wife, Dr. Alexandra Sprigg Talton; and their four children, daughters, Harrison, Sydney, and Callie, and son, John Corbett Talton III, all of Richmond; and his daughter, Dr. Sarah Talton Campbell and her husband, Mac Campbell, of Clifton Forge, Va.; and their three children, daughter, Emily and her husband, Ryan Muterspaugh, of Clifton Forge, Va., daughter, Catherine and her husband, Ben Williamson, of Norfolk, Va., and son, John Campbell and his wife, Rachel, of Covington, Va. In addition, John is survived by two great-grandchildren, Kylie Grace Muterspaugh and Caleb Ryan Muterspaugh, both of Clifton Forge, Va. Other survivors include his brother, Douglas and his wife, Marie; and Doug’s daughters, Jenny, Robin and Ellen; their mother, Jean, and their families; his brother, Bobby and wife, Betty; their sons, Dennis and Michael, and their families; his sister, Thelma Jarvis; and her sons, Thomas, David and James and their families; his sister-in-law, Geraldine Talton; his sister-in-law, Lucille Talton; her sons, Tim and Randy, and their families; his nephew, Jon Wyatt and his wife, Mary; their children and families; his nephew, Phillip Hughes; and his niece, Anne Booth and her husband, Al; and their children and families.

Mr. Talton was a D-Day veteran and member of the Navy Special Forces. His unit, the Underwater Demolition Team, forerunner of the Navy Seals, was tasked with blowing-up the obstacles on the infamous Easy Red Sector of Omaha Beach, just minutes ahead of the Allied Landing.

Mr. Talton was honored by the United States Navy and the French Government for his heroic actions that day.
In 1993, he was one of Peter Jennings’ featured interviews for the televised 50th Commeration D-Day Special.
He was also featured on the History Channel’s “Suicide Mission” series as well as being recognized in numerous publications and the Library of Congress’ “In Their Own Words” audio archive.

He retired from the Radford Army Ammunition Plant in 1981 where he worked as an engineer for 25 years.
He enjoyed woodworking, collecting antique tools and golf with his buddies. He was a 45 year member of the First Baptist Church in Radford. He was a 52 year Mason and members of Virginia May Lodge #38 A.F. & A.M. and Westhampton Lodge #302 A.F. & A.M. and the Kiwanis Club for over 50 years. He was also a member of VFW Post #776 and The Meadows Country Club.

Most of all he loved his family. He was a devoted husband, dad, granddaddy and greatgranddaddy and although we miss him, his wisdom, kindness, courage and good humor are our eternal treasures.

A Memorial Service will be held 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2008, at the First Baptist Church, 3rd and Downey Streets, in Radford, Va. Family Reception to follow at the church.

Donations can be made to The First Baptist Church in Radford, Va., or the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Va.