Jeffery (Jeff) Melvin Talbot, 68, passed away peacefully Friday, October 16th, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jeff was born on April 26th, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Robert and Hilda Talbot, both of whom preceded him in death.
Jeff inherited a champion wit and zest for life from his father, a charming smile and warm heart from his mother and a once in a generation swagger from origins unknown. In a word, the guy was just "cool".
Jeff married Sarah Daugherty Talbot, the love of his life, on August 2nd, 2005 following many years together. Their ceremony was threatened by a weeklong relentless downpour, but the clouds parted just minutes before the service, revealing a stunning beach sunset and dolphins playing in the background. Jeff was a hopeless romantic with a flair for the dramatic, and his Maker delivered for him on that special day.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Sarah, a son Dylan Talbot, of whom he was immensely proud, and his best four-legged friend, Maggie. Other survivors include his sister, Julie Talbot Ramsey, and her husband Todd of Joplin, and two brothers, Gary Weeks of Acworth, Georgia, and Jim (Hoot) Myers and wife Jackie of Joplin. He is also survived by adoring nieces, nephews and friends, too many to count.
Jeff bravely served his country as a young man, including distinguished service in Vietnam as an Infantryman in the 1st Cavalry Division LRRP with the 75th Ranger Regiment. During his service, Jeff received many honors, including the Bronze Star with "V" Device awarded for exceptionally valorous actions in placing his unit's safety ahead of his own when his patrol was surrounded by a large, hostile enemy force. Jeff also received a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal and a Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Jeff had a long and successful career with Talbot Wire Products in Neosho, Missouri, where he retired as Vice President of Sales in 2005. After his retirement, Jeff found fulfillment in his loving family and in serving others, including delivering Meals on Wheels in Joplin.
Recently asked what else remained on his bucket list, Jeff said, "I would sure like to bungee jump off of the Royal Gorge" (until recently the largest bridge in the World), a feat which some lucky friend or family member will now have to do in his honor. His answer alludes to both the boyish fervor with which he approached life as well as how few things he left undone here on Earth.
Among Jeff’s favorite things were his family, a good practical joke, his wife’s cooking, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Texas Longhorns, beer, Harley motorcycles, golf and a broad love of movies that spanned from Happy Feet to Jaws to the occasional horror movie in the morning. Jeff spoke to loved ones in a language of his own that consisted of only one word, “Buh”, which could mean “hello”, “goodbye”, “I love you”, “shut up” or any number of other things depending upon his inflection, facial expression and/or the number of grunts surrounding the Buh. His wife, Sarah, and sister, Julie, also fluently speak Buh and will be telling Jeff's story long after he's gone.
Save us a spot at the cool table, Big Strong. One day soon, we’ll come running through the pearly gates to hug you again, and that time we will never let you go.
A visitation in Jeff’s honor will be held at Mason Woodard Mortuary on Tuesday, October 20th at 6:00 PM. A celebration of life will be held at Central Christian Center, 4th and Virginia, on Wednesday, October 21st at 1:00 PM, followed immediately by a graveside service with military honors at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Joplin Humane Society, Watered Gardens or the Area Agency on Aging, Region X for the Meals on Wheels program in care of the mortuary.
Jeff would find nothing more boring than a sad funeral, particularly his own, so please bring smiles, fond memories and your favorite Jeff story to help us celebrate a special man who will be dearly missed.
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