Howard F. Talton, Jr.

Howard Franklin Talton, Jr., 74, of Lovell, WY, and formerly of Mechanicsburg, PA, passed away on August 25, 2022 at The Billings Clinic, Billings, MT. He was the son of the late Howard Franklin Talton, Sr. and Aleen Marie (Christian) Talton, born on March 9, 1948 in Harrisburg.

Howard, known to most as “Red,” graduated from Cedar Cliff High School in 1966, and was drafted upon graduation, serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Though quiet about his time in the military, he sacrificed much and received the Purple Heart. He learned how to cook in the Army and would put those skills to use as a civilian. A chef throughout his life, his career would begin at the former Sheraton on Limekiln Road, New Cumberland, taking him to Wilmington, DE, West Chester and then to Lovell, WY, where he and his business partner bought and revamped the Switchback Grill in the early 2000s. Red worked hard all his life, starting out early in the morning and not getting home until dark. He enjoyed driving his Corvette and blasting ABBA or Captain & Tennille, and his family will always remember his out-of-this-world French toast. Like so many Vietnam veterans, his return to the States was anything but a warm reception. His family finds comfort in knowing that he’s finally being honored and celebrated as he should have been all those years ago.

Surviving Howard are his children, Monica Gembusia (husband, Bryan) of Mt. Holly Springs, Mark Talton (wife, Kaylyn) of Seven Fields; a granddaughter, Lily; brothers, Robert, William, John and Dave Talton; sisters, Susan Wilson and Barbara Brenizer; and the mother to his children, Mary C. (Brauner) Ladouceur (husband, Phil) of New Cumberland, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Talton.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1PM on Friday, September 16, 2022 at St. John’s Cemetery, 4605 E. Trindle Road, Mechancisburg, PA 17050.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Howard’s name to PA Wounded Warriors Inc. at www.pawoundedwarriors.org.