Gary Tallman

BENTON, Mo. -- Gary Lee Tallman Sr., 72, of Benton died Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at his home.

He was born March 4, 1949 in Portland, Oregon, to Elsworth and Dorothy Bigsby Tallman. He and Darlene Martin were married April 9, 1977, in Vancouver, Washington

He served in the United States Marine Corps where he received a medal for being the smallest man in his platoon, as a rifleman and tunnel rat during the Vietnam war. He received a Purple Heart for saving his lieutenant.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and a friend to many.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene Tallman of Benton; four daughters, Dianna (Chris) Henderson of Benton, Lisa (Daniel Cureton) Tallman of Benton, Christy (Matt Lowe) Martin of Cape Girardeau, Kylie Wolfe of Benton; a son, Gary (Amber) Tallman Jr. of Cape Girardeau; a brother, Michael Tallman; a sister, Elaine (Floyd) Harris of Baytown, Texas; 11 grandchildren, Brendan, Kaileigh, Kaden, Taylor, Laura, Logan, Alexis, Zoey, Nichole, Terralynn, Raymond Martin Jr.; and five great-grandchildren, Hallie, Camden, Grayson, Brenley and Asher.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial service will follow at noon Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Ken Strong officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to Ford and Sons Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home -- Mount Auburn is in charge of arrangements.