Donald Wray Tallman

Donald Wray Tallman, passed away peacefully on Sunday October 31, 2021, in Albuquerque, NM at age 88. Don was born in Oklahoma City on January 23, 1933, and moved with his mother and brother to California at age 10. He became student body president of Mark Keppel High School while playing tennis, football and singing in musical productions on campus. Don served in the army during the Korean War, but he was stationed in Germany where he created youth recreation programs for American military families. He returned to California and with the aid of the GI Bill finished his education at Los Angeles State College, receiving both a Bachelor's and Master's degree. During college he attended a square dance class where he met his future bride, Carol Carthew. They married in 1958 and had two children, Steven, and Susie. Don combined his love for children, life, and the outdoors as a director for the YMCA in California where he started new seed programs in Escondido, Encinitas, Hemet and in Palm Springs. After 18 years at the YMCA, he opened a travel agency in Yucaipa and with his father-in-law started Road Runner Tours, which provided bus tours around California and the Western US for senior citizens. The business grew, and he soon owned and operated five agencies in the Inland Empire. Don was an active member in his Rotary Club, including serving as president and receiving the Paul Harris Award for service. Don had a beautiful tenor voice and sang in Episcopal church choirs in California and New Mexico and can be heard in the choir on his daughter's Christmas album. Once retired, Don and Carol traveled the world and visited all seven continents. In 2001 Don and Carol moved to New Mexico to be closer to relatives. In 2013 Don was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and in 2019 he and Carol moved from the North Valley to La Vida Llena where they enjoyed many friends and activities until COVID-19 made life more difficult. Don was a very kind and generous man with a calm soul. He was always concerned for everyone's wellbeing and thought of others before himself. He was a caring husband, a loving and supportive father, and a doting papa for his grandkids. He approached friends and family alike with kindness and maintained a keen sense of humor until the end.

Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carol; son Steven Tallman and spouse Yuri Michielsen; daughter Susie Tallman Yarbrough and spouse Steve Yarbrough and their three children Tessa, Lance & Trent. Don is also survived by his brother Chuck, niece Kathy, nephew David, and a loving extended family.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 28th at 1:00pm at St. Michael's and All Angels Church at 601 Montaño Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107.