Roy Lavon Talent, age 88, of Springfield, MO, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 22, 2017.

Roy, the son of Charles and Maude (Sullivan) Talent, was born January 8, 1929 in Springfield, MO. Roy graduated from Diagonal High School, Diagonal, IA. He attended Missouri State University where he received a BS in Elementary Education and a MA of Education through the University of Missouri-Columbia. Roy married Mary "June" Hilton, of Republic on November 24, 1950.

Roy was a teacher and principal for 39 years. He began his career in a one room school house in Boyden, IA. Returning to Springfield, Missouri, he began his 30 year career with the Springfield Public School system. He taught at Kickapoo Elementary and at Oak Grove Elementary where he served as both teacher and principal. Roy retired in 1989 from Bissett Elementary where he served 19 years as principal.

Roy loved the Lord, his family, his friends and his students. He was a long-time member of Broadway United Methodist Church where he was actively involved. Roy's hobbies included growing roses, gardening, collecting antique pocket watches, calligraphy and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Roy is survived by his wife, Mary "June" Hilton Talent; daughter, Teresa Talent; son, Paul Talent and wife, Kelley; granddaughter, Megan Talent and fiancé Chase Colton; grandson, Brady Talent; and his cat, Pepper. The family would like to thank their dear friend and loving caregiver, Darlene Shelley.

A funeral service, officiated by Pastor John Inman, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 27, 2017 at Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. The final resting place will be Hazelwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service.