Gerald Dee Tallmon

A ‘Celebration of Life’ service for Gerald Dee Tallmon, age 69, of Mitchell, NE, who died May 27th in Loveland, CO, will be held Friday, June 1st at 10:30 am, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 17 East 27th Street in Scottsbluff, NE. Jerry was born on May 25th, 1943 in Wheatridge, CO to George Tallmon and Ruby Beatty Tallmon. He received his early education in Mitchell Schools, graduating with the Class of 1961. He went on to receive his undergraduate degree in Music and Physical Education from Chadron State College. He also did graduate work at the University of NE-Lincoln as well as in Minot, ND. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Reis, in 1964. After student teaching in the music department at Scottsbluff High School, Jerry went on to teach high school band and chorus in Crawford, Kimball and Grand Island, NE, leading many of his groups to All-State competitions and bringing home honors and awards. In 1972, Jerry went into the jewelry business with his father and brothers. Working as a jeweler at Tallmon Jewelers became his skilled profession until his retirement in 1994. He then went on to build his sales networks in Amway and Univera Life Sciences. He was a charter member and director of the Sugar Valley Singers Barbershop Chorus and frequently served as a choral clinician in Nebraska and surrounding states. He also directed the Dorothy Bronson Singers and traveled to many places around the world. Jerry was a member of the Elks, United Chamber of Commerce, WNCC Foundation Board, Rotary Club, Calvary Lutheran Church, volunteered as a diving coach and was a Master Gardner. He also served as a substitute teacher in local schools after retirement. As a lifetime avid fisherman, he shared his love for fishing with friends, family and area youth, always volunteering his time with organizations promoting the love of fishing. Those who knew Jerry can attest to his unlimited energy, optimism, passion for life and philanthropic heart. He certainly was a vivid character, walking in faith, love and always seeing the innate good in people. True to his giving manner, he was an organ donor. He will be deeply missed. Survivors include wife Barbara of Mitchell, daughter Brenda Hendrix and husband Kevin and grandson Reis of Estes Park, CO, daughter Sheila Tallmon of Seattle, WA, twin sister Judith, and brothers Bill and Ralph. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Jeannie Bruhn. Donations in Jerry’s memory can be made to the Western Nebraska Community College Foundation (1601 E 27th St, Scottsbluff, NE 69361), the Youth Fishing Program (check made out to Barbara Tallmon, ‘Youth Fishing Program’ in memo line), or donor’s choice.