COLUMBUS
Thomas Alan Talbert (78) died November 2 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility. He was born December 5, 1945 in Decatur Illinois, to farmer and businessman Charles Earl Talbert, and Helen Pauline Sprague Talbert. Tom’s large extended family, and his early years farming shaped his mechanical talent, carpentry skills and the life skills that he demonstrated throughout his life.
Tom met Joy Ann Solliday in high school (Washington, Indiana Class of 1964) after his parents moved to that city. They married on May 15, 1965, had a son and built a home in Jackson Township, Bartholomew County. Joy died in 2002. Their son, Stephen and son-in-law Dan Verdugo (Columbus) survive. He is also survived by his brother, Roger (Joan) of Dacula Georgia, and their sons, Philip (Myra) and David (Nancy), along with their children.
Tom joined Cummins in 1965. He was a draftsman in his early years, then advanced into application engineering, automotive marketing, industrial marketing and mining. He retired in 2003, happy to tell anyone about each of the exceptional people who made his career possible.
When young, Tom’s hobbies involved motorcycles, black powder firearms, and 18th-century frontier re-enactments. Later he focused on bicycling and woodworking. He volunteered for CRH Healthy Communities, as well as Big Brothers-Big Sisters/Foundation for Youth. He was also a supporter of The Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation, Indiana Wildlife Federation, Humane Society of Bartholomew County, Indiana Bicycle Coalition, USA Cycling, and Hoosier Mountain Bike Association.
Calling will be Saturday, November 23, 9:00 AM at Barkes Weaver Glick Funeral Home, 1029 Washington Street. Memorial service will follow at 10:00 AM; Rev. Aelred Dean will officiate. Inurnment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Washington Indiana.
Memorials may be made to Heritage Fund Bartholomew County (https://heritagefundbc.org/donate/) . Condolences and special memories may be shared and a video tribute may be seen at www.barkesweaverglick.com.
