William C. Talbert

NEWTON - William "Bill" Crowell Talbert, 73, of Newton, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, at his residence. Born Jan. 21, 1935, in Mecklenburg County, he was the son of the late A.W. and Beatrice Crowell Talbert. Mr. Talbert retired from Conoco Oil in Houston, Texas, and was a member of Freedom Baptist Church in Newton. He served 10 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, served in the Korean War and was awarded three Purple Hearts. In addition to his parents, his brother, Tal Talbert, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Eloise Hankins Talbert of the home. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009, at Freedom Baptist Church in Newton, with the Rev. R.M. Caulder Jr. officiating. The body will be placed at the church 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in Conover City Cemetery and military graveside rites will be performed by the Marine Corps League. Pallbearers will be Mickey Drum, David Alwran, Chuck Fisher, Barry Carsey, Ravon Edmondson and Carl Jenkins. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. tonight, Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, at Burke Mortuary in Newton. Memorials may be made to Freedom Baptist Church, 125 West 27th St., Newton, N.C. 28658. Visit www.burkemortuary.com to register your condolences online. Burke Mortuary in Newton is serving the Talbert family.