Michael Hess Talbot

  Michael Hess Talbot passed away October 3rd, 2024, at the age of 71. He was born June 9th, 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 as an enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served until being honorably discharged as a sergeant on September 10th, 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 happily married for 47 years and had three children, Matthew, Colin, and Devin.

  After the Air Force Mike was able to pursue his education, and graduated with a Masters 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 dedicated 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 any time you visited his office it was abundantly clear the love he had for “The King.” His final City Manager job prior to retirement was in Bastrop, Texas and his office was reported as being a little slice of Graceland in central Texas. 

  But for all of his love of city, Elvis, and rodeo, nothing could eclipse his love for his wife, Judi, and his three sons Matt, Colin, and Devin. After he retired he spent all of 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 by his wife, Judith Stokes Talbot; father, Donald Talbot; mother, Dorothea “Dot” Talbot; and brother, Warren Talbot. 

  Michael 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; a multitude of nieces, nephews, and a host of close friends made over 30+ years in various cities across Texas.

  Visitation will take place on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel, in Weatherford, Texas.

  His funeral ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 18, 2024, also at the Funeral Chapel, with burial to follow at East Greenwood Cemetery in Weatherford.

  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Messiah Lutheran Church in Weatherford, Texas online at https://messiahmission.org/give or via mail at P.O. Box 399 Weatherford, Texas 76086, or to your local community charities in honor of Michael Hess Talbot.