Carl Talley

Carl Lee Talley, 81, of Jackson passed away Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born March 18, 1936, near Millersville to Harry and Carrie Statler Talley. The Talley family moved to Jackson in 1938. He and Mary Louise Milde were married Feb. 14, 1958.

Carl was a 1955 graduate of Jackson High School, where he ran track, played baseball, basketball and football. He went on to play football at Southeast Missouri State University. He was a staff sergeant in the Army National Guard, serving honorably from Jan. 6, 1959, to Jan. 5, 1965.

In September 1956, Carl embarked on 47-year career with the city of Jackson. He initially worked with the Street Department, taking a six-month leave to complete training with the Missouri National Guard. He subsequently worked at the power plant, was assistant utility superintendent, utility superintendent and in September 1972, he became the city administrator, retiring Oct. 31, 1994. Until 2003, he served as a consultant, remaining dedicated to the improvement of Jackson. He also raised cattle north of Jackson for many years.

Carl was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Jackson. His other affiliations include Jackson Evening Optimist Club (50-year member); Jackson Bench Warmers Booster Club; coaching various rec-league youth sports; Jackson Elks Club; Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce; Jackson Heritage Association; Excelsior Masonic Lodge; and many other civic organizations and boards. In 2002, he received the R.A. Fulenweider Meritorious Community Service Award.

Loving survivors include his wife of over 59 years, Mary of Jackson; three children, Andrea Talley of Jackson, Doug (Michelle) Talley of Cape Girardeau and Susan (Bob) Englehart of Jackson; three grandchildren, Callie and Case Englehart and Eliza Talley; and a sister, Ruth (Chuck) Phillips of Castle Rock, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Don Estes officiating. Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson, with full military honors.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Jackson Evening Optimist Club or the Jackson Elks Club. The contributions will be designated to each organization's annual scholarship awarded to Jackson High School graduates.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.