Leslie R. Talley,

Leslie R. Talley, 91, of Cost, passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2023.  Les was born on December 13, 1931 in San Antonio, Texas, to Leslie Erven and Alva Mae Caraway Talley.  Les was a member of the Abiding Word Lutheran Church in Gonzales, where he and his wife, Helen, were founding members.

Les graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1949.  Following graduation, he enrolled at Southwest Texas State Teacher’s College in San Marcos. He was a member of both the basketball and tennis teams. While at Southwest Texas, he met the love of his life, Helen Thieme, on the tennis court. He graduated in 1953, with a B.S. in Education. In 1957 he continued his education, graduating with a Masters Degree in Administration.

Les and Helen were married on May 25, 1952, in Cuero, Texas. Both were hired to teach in the Clear Creek ISD in September of 1953.  In June of 1954, Les, a member of the Army Reserve, was called to active duty in the Korean Conflict. He was assigned to the army base in Kaiserslautern, Germany as a dental assistant.  Les and Helen were stationed in Germany until April of 1956.  Helen said that “Les’ Germany assignment was certainly a most enjoyable Army Tour of Duty.” Upon discharge, they returned to League City and Clear Creek ISD to continue their careers as educators.

Les thoroughly enjoyed teaching and coaching. In 1963 he was the assistant coach when the Clear Creek High School boys’ basketball team won the 3A State Basketball Championship. In 1965, Les became the principal of Edward H. White Elementary School in El Lago, Texas.  He remained there as principal until his retirement in June 1992.  His 27 years at Ed White Elementary were probably his most rewarding years spent in education.  Les was surrounded by dedicated teachers, cooperative parents, and great students; and they became his school family. Upon retirement the street in front of the school was renamed as “Les Talley Drive” in his honor.  Following retirement, Les and Helen settled in Cost, Texas, where they loved spending time on their ranch with family and friends.

Les is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Helen Talley; his three children and their families:  Mike Talley and wife, Darla, of Duncanville, Texas; Gary Talley and wife, Joy, of Corpus Christi, Texas; and Nancy Davison and husband, Charles, of Rockwall Texas.  He is blessed with 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jack Talley. 

Les will be remembered as a kind and generous husband, father, grandpa and friend. He will be greatly missed by all.

The family will receive friends for visitation, from 5 pm to 7 pm on Friday, November 24, 2023, at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home in Gonzales, Texas.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 10 am, at the Abiding Word Lutheran Church in Gonzales, Texas.  Interment will follow at the Odd-Fellows Cemetery in Gonzales, Texas.  Pallbearers:  Mike Talley, Gary Talley, Justin Talley, Peter Davison, Michael Talley and Tim Davison.  The funeral services may be viewed live on the Facebook page of Abiding Word Lutheran Church in Gonzales. Memorials may be made to the Abiding Word Lutheran Church or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.  Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.