Warren Talbott, life-long Dayton area farmer, passed away Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Rivers Walk Assisted Living in Dayton. He was 88.

He was born Walter Warren Talbott in Dayton on October 27, 1937, to Paul and Amelia Warren Talbott. He grew up in Dayton along with his big sister Sally. Warren graduated from Dayton High School in 1956, attended Washington State University for one year before earning his bachelor’s in animal husbandry from Cal-Poly, San Luis Obispo. He was very involved in livestock judging and showing market steers through 4-H, FFA and even at college. He attended Cal-Poly along with his sister Sally and made many lifelong relationships there and was very involved in their alumni program long after graduating.

He served six years in the Air National Guard, after the Korean War and before the Vietnam War. Returning to Dayton, he farmed north of town on the Whetstone, raising cattle and growing cereal grains. He later grew the farm to include land they called the Willow Creek place. Warren was a good farmer and enjoyed working the land. He retired from that around 2002.

Warren was instrumental in the development of the Bluewood Ski area and was one of the original investors in making the ski hill a reality. For over 20 years; he taught ski lessons there. He also spent time in Palm Springs off and on between farming seasons. Forever a car enthusiast; Warren enjoyed finer sports cars and always had a Corvette over the years among others. He loved racehorses too and he helped start pari-mutual betting of horse racing years ago at Dayton Days.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and would often drive his parents to Enterprise, Oregon for family gatherings at his sister’s ranch. Holidays with Sally’s family were always a good time and he was the best Easter egg hider his niece’s and nephew ever had. Graduating with one of the largest classes to come from Dayton High School; Warren usually helped plan the class reunions and just missed his 70th by his passing.

He wanted to see his community prosper and thrive; but always had an eye for its history as well. He was instrumental in the preservation and restoration of the Dayton Depot and helped emphasize the importance and need for the courthouse remodel project. His philanthropy, enthusiasm and support for these projects and many others will be felt by the community for years to come.

Warren is survived by his two nieces; Patty Barnett of Lewiston, Idaho and Jill Moncrief of Enterprise, Oregon, his trusted confidant Casey Colley and his family of Palm Springs California. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Sally Mackin and a nephew John Mackin.

A special thanks to Jim Dee and all the wonderful staff at Rivers Walk Assisted Living in Dayton that took such good care of Warren.

Warren was laid to rest in the family plot with his parents and sister in the Waitsburg Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date after harvest.

The family suggests memorials in his memory be made to The Blue Mountain Community Foundation or the Dayton Depot. Corbeill Funeral Home in Dayton is caring for the family. wwwcorbeillfuneralhomes.com.