Daniel Anthony Tallman, 40, of Highland, died on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family after a long, hard fought battle against cancer.
Visitation will be Monday, Feb. 26, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Mosaic Church in Highland and Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Christ Tabernacle Church in Herrick. Services will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 11 a.m. at Christ Tabernacle Church in Herrick, with Pastor Jereme Suey officiating. Interment will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery in Shelbyville. A first responder walk-through will take place on Monday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
Mr. Tallman was born Aug. 17, 1983, in Decatur. His heart and soul have been deeply rooted in the fire service since he was a child. He dreamed of being an arson investigator since he was 14, and his dream came true with hard work and dedication. Mr. Tallman worked as a special agent with the Illinois State Fire Marshal Arson Investigation Unit. He was also the Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Highland Fire Department and was an instructor with the Illinois Fire Service Institute, where he used his passion for the fire service to teach future generations of firefighters. Over the years, Mr. Tallman devoted his life to serving and protecting numerous communities as a firefighter, paramedic and law enforcement officer. He also served his country in the US Air Force.
Mr. Tallman lived a life of excitement and always had a joke or smart remark to make people laugh. He enjoyed playing hockey, watching the St. Louis Blues, and taking trips with his family. Above all else, the most cherished times in Mr. Tallman’s life were those spent with his wife, Tiffany, and son, Wyatt, making lifelong memories.
He is survived by his wife, Tiffany (Waters) Tallman; son, Wyatt Tallman; mother, Sharon Jeffers; brothers, Robbie (Adrienne) Jeffers, Joseph Jeffers and Quint (Angela) Cloe; father and mother in-law, Greg and Julie Waters; brothers-in-law; Kyle Waters and Matthew (Maddy) Waters of Hillsboro; nephew, Braxton and nieces, Maddie, Emma, Tinley and Arriana; along with other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his stepdad, Tony Jeffers; and grandparents, Robert and Marjorie Witt and Robert E. and Vera Lu Jeffers.
In lieu of customary remembrances and flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed toward the Wyatt Tallman Education Fund, checks made payable to Tiffany Tallman. For more information, please visit www.leesmanfuneralhome.com.
