Clarence Talley, Sr.

Clarence "C.T." Titus Talley Sr. was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on October 18, 1924. Soon after his birth, his parents, Mary Melba Hill-Talley and Titus Attacus Talley, moved to Colorado where his father found employment working as a Coal Miner. This meant that the young hard working family would often move living in various coal mining towns. The Talley family settled in Oak Creek, Colorado and this is where they built their home. Clarence was an only child and he and his family enjoyed fishing and the outdoor mountain life. He attended Oak Creek Elementary and High School. He was the only black student throughout his school age years. He made friends easily, was a gifted athlete and was on the basketball, football and track teams. He was a good student and knew that in order to play the sports he loved, his grades needed to be maintained. His parents were active in local school and community events. His father was a union organizer and later a representative and wanted Clarence to know the value of a hard day's work and to receive the proper pay for it. They were thrifty and yet saw to it that Clarence got what he needed for school and sports. From his mother, he learned cleanliness and organization. His mother saw to it that religion was also practiced and they were a part of the local Baptist church. They instilled values that Clarence carried throughout his lifetime. During high school, Clarence would work at various jobs. He did work at the local grocery store and delivered Western Union telegrams on his bicycle to newspapers and outside the coal mines. His money was usually saved until he was able to pay for a special gift for himself or his parents. After high school any thoughts of college were quickly forgotten because of World War II. Clarence enlisted in the United States Navy in June 1943. He was honorably discharged in March 1946 with an exemplary record. Clarence soon found himself in love with Anna Lue Hill, a young lady from Tyler, Texas. The two would be married on July 20, 1947. Five beautiful children were born from this union. The oldest child, Deborah Ann, next, Cynthia Marie and a third daughter, Donna Theresa. The couple would then welcome two sons, Clarence Timothy, Jr., and Robert Lewis. Clarence enjoyed traveling and many other activities with his family. He was also an avid golfer and photographer. He was employed as a supervisor for many years by Boise Cascade Corrugated Container Company located in Golden, Colorado. Upon his retirement in 1985, he received the traditional gold watch and a set of golf clubs purchased from a collection taken from within the entire Golden plant. Clarence is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Anna Lue, his daughter, Cynthia Marie Bowser, and his son, Robert "Bobby" Lewis Talley. His remaining children include Deborah (Elder Alexander) Thomas of Denver, CO, Donna (Leonard) McCluney of Houston, Texas, and Clarence Timothy (Cathy) Talley Jr., of Aurora, CO; those left to cherish his memory along with other family and friends. Clarence loved to quote,"From One Comes Many." As an only child, he could not have imagined that he would leave a legacy of five children; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild expected in March 2016.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 2/10/2016 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 2/11/2016 at 11:00 AM - The Potter's House of Denver - 9495 East Florida Avenue, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 2/11/2016 - Following the Service Fairmount Cemetery - 430 South Quebec Street, Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 2/11/2016 - Immediately Following Interment The Potter's House of Denver - 9495 East Florida Avenue, Denver, CO