Jewell (Joe) E. Talley died peacefully in his sleep July 12, 2017, at the PAM Hospital in Covington.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Lilia; children Ken, Iva, and Steve (Cecelia) Talley; grandchildren, Ryan and Caroline; brother, Edgar Talley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Monroe Talley and Louise Talley; and siblings, Jerry Talley, Iva Sumrall, Eva Thieme, Venice Wells, and Lilian Sinopoli.

Joe joined the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17 and met and married the love of his life, Lilia, while stationed in Panama. He served honorably in the military for 20 years as a flight engineer on the B-17, C-47, C-54, and C-118. While away on long trips, he loved bringing his children exotic gifts from far away regions. He was very creative with his gifts, even making them a canoe from a discarded airplane wing tank.

After his distinguished career, he returned to his boyhood home in Rio, just south of Bogalusa. Joe opened and operated Talley’s Marine shop for many years, while still finding time to do what he enjoyed most: spending time with his children and grandchildren, racing speedboats, flying ultralights, and hunting and boating on the canal, especially with his nephew Dickie.

Joe was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed. A private service will be held at the family cemetery prior to interment on Thursday, July 27, at 10 a.m.