Howard C. Talbert, 89, Onarga

Howard C. Talbert, 89, of Onarga passed away on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at Heartland Health Care Center in Paxton.

Visitation will run from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, March 25, at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga where services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 26. Rev. Elizabeth Reis will officiate. Burial will be in Onarga Cemetery with military graveside rites provided by Onarga American Legion #551.

Mr. Talbert was born Aug. 12, 1921, in Onarga, a son of Clyde A. and Marion Osgood Talbert. He married Mary Helen Turner on Aug. 16, 1946 in Gilman, IL and she preceded him in death on Nov. 21, 2005.

Survivors include one daughter, Connie (Mike) Morton of Antioch, IL; two sons, Gerald “Jerry” (Mary B.) Talbert and John (Deb) Talbert all of Onarga; two brothers, Neil (Betsey) Talbert of Sun City West, AZ and Robert (Roberta) Talbert of Payson, UT; one sister, June Zeedyk of Onarga; seven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Doris Neilsen.

Mr. Talbert served in the US Army during WWII, receiving the Bronze Star. He was a member of Onarga United Methodist Church and Onarga American Legion #551. He was an Onarga Township Clerk and also served on the Onarga Cemetery Board. He was a lifelong farmer in the Onarga area.

Memorials may be made to Onarga United Methodist Church or Wounded Warriors of America.

Please sign the online guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.