Robert Ralph Talkin

Robert Ralph Talkin, 93, of Aledo, IL passed away Saturday, Oct 14, 2017 at the Breakers Sr. Center Chicago, IL.  He was born Wednesday June 25, 1924 in Quincy, IL the son of John and Louesa (Bradley) Talkin.  He married Gerry Barnett of Alton, IL.

Those left to cherish his memory are wife Gerry Talkin of Chicago, IL and daughter Kathy Talkin of Chicago, IL

He was preceded in death by parents, and sister (Bette Dirks)

Known throughout most of his life as Tab, he grew up in Roseville and attended Roseville schools.  He attended Monmouth College on a Turnbull scholarship before entering Naval Officers training in the V12 program in 1943 at Ill State University and Columbia University of New York.  While attending Ill State he lettered in four major sports, served as captain of the track team and received honorable mention as All-American in basketball.

After graduation of Naval training from Columbia, Mr. Talkin served two years of active duty in the Pacific area, including the Okinawa invasion.  He received his discharge in 1946 as Lt J.G.  After marriage, he returned to Monmouth college where he lettered in three major sports, serving for a time as captain of the basketball team and President of the class of 1949.  During this time, he was contacted by the LA Rams. Mr. Talkin was later inducted into the Monmouth college Athletic Hall of Fame.

Mr. Talkin taught and coached in Monmouth High School two years before moving to Aledo to enter the Tastee Freez franchise business for 41 years. During this period, he also taught in Joy for two years and Aledo High School for twenty-three years.  Mr. Talkin was a participant in weight lifting and body building most of his life and taught classes in Judo for the Aledo YMCA for a time.  He served as manager of his daughter’s band, the Mod 4, for five years.  In recent years, he continued his interest in sports by actively participating in state senior Olympics programs.

Mr. Talkin was a member of the Aledo First Baptist Church.  Surviving are his wife and daughter, Kathy Talkin, of Chicago.  In retirement years, he and his wife spent much of each year in the fishing village, surfing resort area of Puerto Escondido in southern Mexico.

A funeral service will be held at Wise Funeral home in Roseville, IL at 2:00 p.m. Friday October 20, 2017 with a visitation one hour prior.  Burial will be in the family plot at Roseville Township Cemetery of Roseville, IL. Memorials will be given to the Smile Train Foundation.  Please sign the online guest book at www.wisefamilyfuneralhome@gmail.com.  Wise Family Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.