Michael Hess Talbot died Oct. 3, 2024 at the age of 71.
He was born June 9, 1953 to Donald and Dorothea Talbot in New York City.
He grew up working alongside his brothers Warren and Greg at his father’s plumbing business in Sherrill, New York, where he developed a strong work ethic and was guided by his father’s principles of always doing the right thing and helping those in need. While growing up, he raised horses and competed in rodeos all over the Northeast as a calf roper and briefly attempted to make a living on the rodeo circuit.
Mike left Sherrill and enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served until being honorably discharged as a sergeant on Sept. 10, 1980. During his time in the Air Force, he met the love of his life, Judi Talbot, while stationed in Jackson, Mississippi. The two were married for 47 years and had three children: Matthew, Colin and Devin.
After the Air Force, Mike pursued his education and graduated with a Master’s from the University of Texas at Dallas and became an assistant city manager. He served in many cities across Texas as a city manager, including Terrell, Mission, Lampasas and Bastrop.
As a civil servant, he was guided by the lessons he learned working for his father: helping citizens in need, finding fair solutions for all parties involved and growing the communities he served in. His passion for city government was only overshadowed by his passion for Elvis Presley, and when visiting his office it was abundantly clear the love he had for “The King.” His final city manager job prior to retirement was in Bastrop, and his office was reported as being a little slice of Graceland in Central Texas.
For all of his love of city, Elvis and rodeo, nothing could eclipse his love for his wife and sons. After he retired Mike spent all his time with family, teaching his boys tricks of the plumbing trade, investigating/researching the JFK assassination, staying current on economic events, serving on his church council and telling stories of his own boyhood mishaps on plumbing jobs over a full stack of blueberry pancakes.
Michael was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Stokes Talbot; father, Donald Talbot; mother, Dorothea “Dot” Talbot; and brother, Warren Talbot.
He is survived by his three sons, Matthew and partner Autumn, Colin and partner Jessica, and Devin and wife Marjorie; mother-in-law, LaVonne Stokes; brother, Greg Talbot; sister-in-law, Kim Talbot; and a multitude of nieces, nephews and others across Texas.
Visitation will take place Oct. 17 from 6-8 p.m., at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel in Weatherford.
His funeral will begin at 10 a.m. Oct. 18, also at the funeral chapel, with burial to follow at East Greenwood Cemetery in Weatherford.
Donations may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church in Weatherford, online at https://messiahmission. org/give or via mail at P.O. Box 399 Weatherford, TX 76086; or to a community charity in his name.
