David Franklin Talbott, 74, died on Thursday, June 12, 2014, in the Hospice Care Regional Inpatient Center following a short battle with cancer. He was born in Elkins on Thursday, May 9, 1940, a son of the late Kenneth and Virginia Loving Talbott. He is survived by his children Denise Leak and husband Jonathan of Senoia, GA, Susan Guiteras and husband Mark of Magnolia, DE, and Allen Talbott and wife Nikki of Cincinnati, OH, eight grandchildren Lauren, Bethany, Ethan, Joshua, Jadyn, Allison, Lillian, and Amos, and fiancé Lunada Stuart. He was formerly married to Judy Milley of Phenix City, AL, and for many years to Anita Kendell Talbott of Elkins. He also leaves behind eight loving siblings, Charlene Raikes of Mesa, AZ, Kenneth Talbott of Elkins, Jane Vanscoy and husband Julian of Tallmadge, OH, Alton “A.D” Talbott and wife Martha of Elkins, Ginny Anne Digman and husband Willis of Zoar, OH, Linda Joiner and husband Jack of Uniontown, OH, Dan Talbott and wife Suzi of Rachel, WV, and William Talbott of Elkins. Dave graduated from Elkins High School in 1958, where he served as manager of the marching band. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958-1962 and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, as a helicopter mechanic. He was a master electrician with Tri-county Electric/penn-line in Elkins, and later with Davis Memorial Hospital. Dave was involved in the construction of many schools and hospitals throughout West Virginia, including the football stadium at WVU, and more recently volunteering time to install lighting at the Elkins High School soccer field. Dave is perhaps best known for his love of aviation and his time as a private pilot and flight instructor. He taught over 50 area residents to fly, including his own daughter Susan, and enjoyed taking local children up for their first plane rides. Dave enjoyed building and flying model airplanes and doing improvement projects around his home. He was also a talented artist and known for his quick wit and funny comebacks. Dave was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church where he sang in the choir and the men’s chorus. He will be deeply missed by his many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his many friends in the community. A celebration of Dave’s life will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2014, at the First Baptist Church in Elkins. The family will receive visitors from 2:00-3:00 pm and a memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 412 Randolph Ave., Elkins, WV 26241 or to Hospice Care Corporation, 169 Diamond St., Elkins, WV 26241, in memory of Mr. Talbott.
