Walter L. "Babe" Talbott died Thursday near Custer.

      He was born Oct. 18, 1938 in Anaconda to Walter Sr. and Evaleen (Henrich) Talbott.   He graduated from Butte High.

      Babe was proud of many things, including his business of 30 years as owner of Perfection Spring Auto Body in Uptown Butte.   His business moved to the flat and was known as Perfection Auto Body.   Known as the best body man around, he took over the craft from his father Walter Sr.   In his younger years he took pride in his weight-lifting abilities, which brought him the title of "Mr. Butte".

      Babe was an avid fisherman, hunter and lover of the great outdoors.   Other interests included go-carts, motorcycles and four-wheelers.   Not only did he participate in these activities, but has many trophies to prove his commitment to doing well.

      Among highlights in his life was a fishing trip to Alaska with his family.   He was so proud to display his pictures that show him with his 150-pound halibut.   Other highlights were ice fishing on Harrison Lake and turkey hunting.   One of his greatest joys was spending time in Pony where the family purchased a second home for all to enjoy.   Many hours were spent there enjoying family and friends.  That is where Babe chose to do most of his hunting and fishing.   It is the place that allowed him to appreciate his great love for the outdoors and share the beauty with all that he loved.

      Babe was known as a family man and will be terribly missed by all.

      He married Barbara Brady in Butte on July 25, 1959;   she survives.   Other survivors include his sons, Walter "Dean" Talbott and Daniel "Todd" Talbott;   the light of his life, granddaughter, Savannah, and her brother, Braydon, and sister Noel;   sister and brother-in-law, Darlene and Ed Jackson;   brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Carol Brady.

      Babe was the kind of person who helped others in need.   The Montana Standard once printed an article from an out-of-state person stating how impressed he was with Babe and Butte people.   The man was stranded and Babe towed his car to his shop, repaired it and the man was on his way again.

      His remains are in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home where friends may call beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday.   Funeral services are 11 a.m. Monday in the funeral home.   Interment will be at 3 p.m. Monday in Fish Creek Cemetery.

      Memorials:   Highlands Hospice, Fish Creek Cemetery or charity of the donors choice.