Joseph L. Talbot

Lt. Colonel Joseph L. Talbot, USAF (retired) took his final flight to be with the Lord October 18, 2016 in Oklahoma City. Joe was born July 27, 1918 in Omaha, NE. He was the son of Frank Anthony Talbot and Ella Florence (Petersen) Talbot. Joe graduated from Creighton Prep High School and attended Creighton University, both in Omaha. He was a devout Catholic. The only thing more important to him than his family and his country was his faith. He and his family moved to Oklahoma City in 1938. He entered the Army Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet in December of 1941. Joe married the love of his life, Mary Jane Thompson on August 6, 1942. They enjoyed a special and enduring marriage that spanned almost 55 years. He served his country with honor and integrity for over 24 years and retired on April 6, 1966 from the United States Air Force. His career highlight was combat duty in the 493rd Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force during World War II. Joe was the command pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress. He flew missions over France and Germany while serving with the 493rd as lead pilot of the low group. He received several medals while serving his country. He was awarded the Air Medal for combat duty during World War II and the Air Force Commendation medal for superb duty performed as the Assistant Director and Director of Administration for Headquarters 2nd Air Force at Barksdale Air Force Base, LA. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jane (Thompson) Talbot, his parents Frank A. Talbot and Ella Florence (Petersen) Talbot, his brother Frank A. Talbot, Jr., his sister Therese (Talbot) Graves and her husband Robert, and daughters Rita Marie and Mary Sue. He is survived by his children Joe Talbot, Jr. and his wife Charlo, Vince Talbot, Pat Talbot and his wife Sheila, Tim Talbot and his wife Nancy and his daughter Kathy. He is also survived by his 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren, who affectionately knew him as "Big Daddy." Joe had some of the most amazing stories and every time his family gathered he always honored us with a new one. From flight training to playing craps with John Wayne in Monte Carlo to meeting the parents of the children of Fatima. There has never been a greater love story ever told than that of Joe and his wife Mary Jane. We all should aspire to have an everlasting love story like theirs. He was a role model for all the generations that have followed. He loved with fierce intensity and prayed passionately. His strength and resilience in all his life has helped mold his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren into the people they are today. His imprint on all of their lives will influence several generations to come