Capuchin Father Gilmary Tallman dies Aug. 14 at age 90

HAYS, Kansas. Capuchin Father Gilmary Tallman, one of the first priests on staff at The Catholic Center at The Citadel, died Aug. 14 in Hays, Kansas. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Aug. 19 at the Basilica of St. Fidelis in Victoria, Kansas, followed by burial in St. Joseph Cemetery in Hays.

Father Gilmary was born on Jan. 8, 1934 in Hays, along with his twin brother, Ernest. He attended St. Francis Seminary in Victoria and was a member of the high school seminary’s first graduating class. After two years at St. Fidelis Seminary College in Herman, Pennsylvania, he entered the Capuchin novitiate in Annapolis, Maryland. He professed vows on July 14, 1955.

Father Gilmary served as a teacher for two decades beginning in 1962. He then began parish ministry in Kansas and Colorado, including St. Patrick Parish in Denver and Notre Dame in Lakewood. He served as confessor at The Catholic Center at The Citadel Mall in Colorado Springs from 2001-2002.

Father Gilmary is survived by his brother Ernie; and two sisters, Marilyn Matthias and Susie Berger.