CDR Merrill Lee "Cotton" Talbott

Birth date: Jan 31, 1931 Death date: Aug 8, 2018

On the evening of Wednesday August 8, 2018, Commander Merrill L. “Cotton” Talbott died peacefully, but unexpectedly, while resting at home. There is not enough time or pages of print to recount his love of life. He was born in Chi Read Obituary

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Thomas W. O'brien

369w ago

I served with Commander Talbott on the USS Rainier (AE-5) in the late 60's. I was a YN2 and in charge of the ship's office when he reported aboard as the Executive Officer. He had more energy than any officer I had ever met and when he took over the control of the administration of the ship things got done-he ran the ship! We developed a special bond of friendship that was not common place between officers and enlisted men because both of us liked to get things done-and we did. The Rainier was awarded the Battle Efficiency "E" for Excellence while Commander Talbott was in charge. More ammunition was transferred faster to warships in the Gulf of Tonkin, off the coast of Vietnam, than had ever been done before. Commander Talbott knew how to get the most out of his men. God Bless the memory of Commander "Cotton" Talbott.

YN2 Thomas W. O'Brien, Battle Lake, Minnesota

Pat Knutson

371w ago

Cotton was the best of everything in a man. I shot with him and hunted with him in Uruguay when he was 80. I've known him since 1976 when I attended my first Armed Forces Shoot. Only those who knew him and loved him could possibly know how much it hurts to have him leave us.
Pat Knutson

Bill Dixon

371w ago

On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans (USSVI), I offer our sincere condolences on Merrill's passing. You and your loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. We are forever grateful for Merrill's service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service. To our Brother of the Phin we say, “Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. May you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones who remain. Thank you for your service to our country.

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way" 2 Thess 3:16

CDR Merrill L. Talbott, US Navy, Now on Eternal Patrol.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate.

Bill Dixon, National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI.

Lorraine

371w ago

Jamie & I were deeply saddened to hear of Cotton's passing. Know that the Talbot family & friends are in our thoughts & prayers. Lorraine Shelton-Gaines & Jamie Gaines

Ken Kimberly

372w ago

Ozone Chapter (LA10), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), expresses on deepest heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Family and Friends of "Cotton" Talbott. Commander Talbott, US Navy (Retired), was a Navy Submariner, and, a Charter Member of Ozone Chapter (LA10), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). "Cotton" embodied everything that is good and decent with our American. "Cotton" had such devout Patriotism and Love of Country for these United States of America. We thank "Cotton" for his service and sacrifice. You have fought the good fight, completed the race, and have kept the Faith. Mission Accomplished! We will take it from here. "FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS! Ken Kimberly, President, Ozone Chapter (LA10), MOAA, on behalf of all of our Members and Friends.

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