Dr. Arthur Nilon Tallant, Col., USAF (Ret.) of San Marcos, Texas, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2013, at the age of 82. He was born July 10, 1931, to Arthur Marvin and Lomie Ruth (Smith) Tallant, in Indian Creek, Texas. Dr. Tallant received a Bachelor's of Arts in Chemistry at Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas, and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas in 1955. He was commissioned as First Lieutenant in the U.S.A.F.R. Medical Corp. during his internship at the Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas in 1953. In 1957, he joined the Air Force at Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas and in March 1958 completed the primary course at the School of TFS Squadron, which at that time had the only F-101 Squadron in the Air Force inventory. He became the Commander of the 27th TFW Hospital before his discharge from the Air force in March 1960. He was a Charter Fellow of American Academy of Family Practice and a Diplomat of the American Board of family practice (Charter Member) and was re-certified in this organization in 1970, 1978, 1982, and 1989; he was a recipient of the Physician's Recognition award issued by the American Medical Organization in 1982, 1987, 2001 and 2005. Dr. Tallant was a past president of the Hays, Blanco, Caldwell Medical Society and served as Chief of Staff at Hays Memorial Hospital . He re-entered the unit reserve program as Chief of Flight Medicine of the 924th Tactical Airlift Squadron in 1976 at Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas and during this time, he was awarded the Chief Flight Surgeon Aeronautical Rating. In 1983, Dr. Tallant became the Chief of Flight Medicine for the 924th Tactical Fighter Squadron (F-4D) in 1986. He was assigned to the 11th Contingency Hospital, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base as Chief of Professional Services. During this time, he completed the Air Force War College Associates program at Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas. In April 1987, he was assigned to the 307th Civil Engineering Squadron (heavy repair) Kelly Air Force Base, Texas as a Squadron Medical Officer. The 307th is the Air Force Reserve's only RED HORSE SQUADRON and its largest Civil Engineering unit. The highly mobile, self-sustaining unit has a primary mission of runway repair and bare base construction operation. He attended a U.S.A.F. "Battlefield Medicine" course at Brooke Army Hospital and completed a "Field Anesthesia" course with the U.S. Army. Dr. Tallant's decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, AF Longevity Service Award, AF Achievement Medal, AF Organizational Excellence, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf, the Legion of Merit, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship, AF Outstanding Award, AF Recognition Ribbon, AF Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Reserve Meritorious Service and AF Combat Readiness. He retired from the U.S.A.F. in 1993 as Colonel and Chief Flight Surgeon Aeronautical Rating. Aeronautical experience includes T-33, C-130, C-121, C-131, C-5A, C-119, C-45, C-47, KC-135, B-52, KC-10, Black Hawk Helicopter, O-2, OV-10, C-118, and F4D aircraft. Dr. Tallant was the Regional Medical Officer for the CIA in Latin America and the Caribbean in 1979. Temporary duty sites include RAF Chicksands, England, Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, Saragossa, Spain, Crete, Egypt, Hahn Air Base, Germany, Panama, C.Z., Osan, Korea, Okinawa, Honduras, and Dominican Republic. He completed a mini-residency in Occupational Medicine at the University of Cincinnati in March of 1995. His professional affiliations include the Reserve Officer's Association, Society of U.S. Air Force Flight Surgeon, Member of Tarrant County Medical Society, Texas Medical Association, American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Practice, American College of Occupational Medicine, Certified, Medical Review Officer, AMA Physician' Recognition Award (2009-2012). Life Member of the American Academy of Family Practice. Dr. Tallant is survived by his wife, Linda (Figley) Tallant; son, Douglas Tallant of San Marcos; two daughters, Leslie Tallant Tourish and husband, John of Dripping Springs and Laura Ruth Tallant of Austin; sister, Arlene Sturman and husband, Jerry of San Angelo; and one grandchild, Lauren Tourish. Graveside Services will be conducted at 12:00 P.M., Saturday, October 5, 2013, at the Indian Creek Cemetery in Indian Creek, Texas. Arrangements by Pennington Funeral Home, 323 N. Comanche, San Marcos, Texas 78666