Joseph Talbott

Joseph Blair Talbott, 80, a lifelong Webster County resident who represented his community in the West Virginia's House of Delegates, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2014 at Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston.

Joe was born January 23, 1933 in Webster Springs to the late William Reginald and Opal Jarvis Talbott. He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Chef Robert Wong.

Joe is survived by his wife Sue and their daughters Sherri Wong and Kelli Talbott, both of Charleston; beloved grandsons Joseph and Jeffrey Wong of Charleston; a brother Bill Talbott of Webster Springs; sisters Jill (Wally) Shaver of Centennial, Colorado, Mary Jane Lopez of Murrells Inlet, S.C., Martha Lipscomb of Charleston, Sarah Hamrick (Jonathan Ford) of Hurricane, and Rebecca (Sheldon) Jackson of Ravenna, Ohio; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A retired educator, Joe attended Webster County public schools and Potomac State College before earning a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in education from West Virginia Wesleyan College. He played football for Wesleyan and Potomac State, and tennis for Wesleyan.

Joe taught and coached in Webster County Schools and at Shinnston High School in Harrison County. He also served as director of Manpower Training Programs for the State of West Virginia.

Joe was first elected to the House of Delegates in 1992, representing Webster and part of Nicholas County. He was re-elected to additional two-year terms in 1994, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010. Joe was chair of the House Natural Resources and Constitutional Revision Committees while in the Legislature.

Joe served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and was a member of the Marine Corps League and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, Sugar Creek Hunt Club, Lions Club, Cherry Hill County Club in Richwood, and Webster Springs Main Street.

Friends may join the family for sharing of memories on Saturday, March 29, 2014 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at Dodd & Reed Funeral Home. Memorial Services to celebrate Joe's life will be held at 2:00 PM with Rev. Calvin McCutcheon officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Webster Springs Main Street, P.O. Box 66, Webster Springs, WV 26288 and/or Breaking Bread Program at Christ Church United Methodist, 1221 Quarrier Street, Charleston, WV 25301.