Obituary

Louis Delton Talley

August 31, 1933 - August 18, 2024

On August 18, 2024, Louis Delton Talley (Delt to friends and family), loving husband and father of two children, grandfather of three, and great grand father of three, passed away at the age of 90.

Delt was born on August 31, 1933, in the Talley Town area of Sun, La to James (Jim) Thomas and Veola Clothilde (nee Jenkins) Talley. He graduated from Enon High School April 1951, the year 12th grade was added to the education requirements. He worked for the Ford auto dealership in Bogalusa until he enlisted in the Air Force in October 1951 embarking on a 20-year military career as an Air Traffic Controller, garnering numerous medals and commendations. He was proud to serve his country and enjoyed being stationed in many locales, experiencing cultures that were similar at times and far different at times from that of a dirt farmer's barefoot son. His postings included, Campbell AFB, KY; Johnston Island; Enewetak Atoll; Blytheville and Little Rock, AR; Ellington AFB, TX; Albrook AFB, Panama Canal Zone; Walker AFB (Roswell), NM; Gila Bend, AZ; Ubon Ratchathani AFB, Thailand; Scott AFB, IL; Richards-Gebaur, MO.

On May 14, 1954, he married Kathryn Ruby Dykes (Kitten). They raised a daughter and son, Teresa Kay (Terry) and Thomas Dean (Tom). Following retirement from the Air Force, he served the State as an employer relations representative for the Louisiana Department of Employment Services for 11 years, then fully retiring to care for his beloved wife and best friend until her passing in 1997.

Delt had a passion for woodworking to include refinishing antique furniture and making new furniture. Many family members and friends sport porch swings, beds, cabinets and tables crafted by "Uncle Delt." Although his wife was wheelchair bound since the mid 70's, Delt never let it stop them from their adventures and sometimes mishaps traveling across the country to wherever family had dispersed. Many journeys were made to the various places his kids had landed, following the life of bi-annual relocation they all lived during his miliary career. Delt was known for his willingness to help, his infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit. His storytelling about the life and times of growing up in the country with his six siblings and multiple cousins (some double first cousins) still bring chuckles and smiles to those he entertained.

Delt was preceded in death by his father, James; his mother, Veola; his wife, Kathryn; his siblings Ella Virgina Munizza, Samuel Malcolm Talley, and Myrl Talley. 

He is survived by his son, Tom and his wife Charlene and by his daughter, Terry; his sister Edwin; two brothers, Jule Morris (J.M.) and James Hollis; his grandchildren, Christopher James Talley, Ellen Nicole Mullis, Joshua Stogner; his great grandchildren Madilyn Grace Talley, Alexis Joy Mullis, and Calvin Alastair Talley; several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, starting at 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 10:30 a.m., at Talley's Chapel Community Church on 26664 Highway 16, Sun, LA. Following the funeral service, military honors wil be rendered by the United States Air Force prior to graveside service. Bro. Eric Seal and Bro. Stanley Talley will officiate services. Flowers may be sent to Talley's Chapel Community Church.