Michael Tallman

Michael Clarence Tallman was born on March 3, 1945, in Wichita, KS to Clarence and Marie (Bentzen) Tallman. Mike was the oldest of six children in his family. He spent his first year on a farm near Conway Springs, Ks. His family then moved to a farm near Independence, KS where he spent the remainder of his childhood. Growing up on a dairy farm meant helping with the chores before and after school. There was always time in the Summer to go swimming in the farm pond with his siblings. Growing up on a farm you just learn to drive at an early age. At age eleven, Mike was driving the family car with one of his brothers as a passenger when he got too close to the ditch and rolled the car. His father always took time to teach the children many things about nature and how to live life. At an early age, his father built a control line airplane for Mike which they enjoyed flying together. Little did he know that this would lead to a lifelong hobby. Over the years Mike built, flew, and crashed many airplanes. Many of them were repaired and flown again because he had a special talent of repairing things, whether they be airplanes or things broken around the house. During his many years of flying he made many friends all over the United States. Many would come to him for questions about how to make their motors run better or other related questions. Mike also taught many people how to fly, all the time remaining humble about his knowledge and accomplishments. Mike attended St. Andrews School in Independence, KS for the first eight years of his education. He then attended Independence Jr. College on a football scholarship. He continued his education at Wichita State University. After completing his education, he worked for Cessna Aircraft for several years. He then worked for the City of Wichita in the Traffic Engineering Dept. for over 30 years. On July 25, 1976, he was united in marriage to Vernelle Busenitz in Newton, KS. Together they made their home in Wichita for the next 39 years. Mike's faith in Jesus Christ was important to him and he would share the importance of accepting Jesus with others. One could often find Mike in the church kitchen helping to prepare , serve, and clean up for a meal after a church activity. Mike's daughter Katie was a special joy to him. Katie's reflection on her dad was: "You taught me strength and humility, the importance of character and keeping your sense of humor." His granddaughters, Maci and Ava were a special blessing. Together they spent many fun times going to the Zoo, baking Christmas cookies, and putting puzzles together. He was very patient with them when they dressed him up with makeup and a wig, but he drew the line at playing with Barbies. Mike passed away on September 26, 2015, after a hard fought battle with cancer. He passed away at Via Christi St. Francis, which was the same hospital where he was born. Mike was preceded in death by his father, mother, infant sister, and brothers Patrick and John. Survivors include his wife, Vernelle; daughter, Katie and husband Nathan Flood of Lincoln, NE; granddaughters, Maci and Ava; sister, Mary Jean Howerton of Harrisburg, PA; brothers, Kenneth of Altoona, KS and James (Kathy) of Liberty, Ks; brothers-in-law, Donald and Norman (Mildred) Busenitz both of Newton, KS; nephews and nieces, many flying friends, and dogs, Haley, Lexi, and Angie. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and kind words of support during Mike's illness and passing. He will forever be in our hearts.

Memorial Service

Time: 2:00pm, Friday, October 2, 2015 Place: West Evangelical Free Church
1161 N. Maize Rd., Wichita, KS 67212

Memorials

Union Rescue Mission
2800 N. Hillside
Wichita, KS 67219

Heart Ministries/Victory Village Christian Academy
P.O. Box 2068
Hutchinson, KS 67504-2068

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