Paul Alan Talkington passed from this life on August 26, 2022, at the age of 55 years. He was born January 19, 1967, to Earl and Beth Talkington. He also had the gift of having “bonus mom,” Barbara Brawley looking over him his whole life. Paul attended Whitebead School from Kindergarten through the eighth grade and attended Pauls Valley School for high school. He played varsity football throughout his high school years during which time he met Angela Smith in Mr. Perry’s Algebra class, a meeting which would later turn out to change his life. After many notes left on Angela’s windshield and a little convincing, the two finally had their first date on January 11, 1986. Paul graduated from Pauls Valley High School in 1985. After high school, Paul played football at and attended East Central University. He and Angela married on August 4, 1990. Though their union was not forever, the love and family they shared and built during their 16 years together certainly will be.
Paul spent much of his life in the oil and natural gas industry, working up from a field mechanic at Hanover to a Vice President at Mechanical Equipment, Inc. growing and learning through several positions in between. Paul made many friends he cherished dearly in the industry. His work was a great source of pride.
However, his greatest source of pride came into his life in 1992, 1994, and 1998 during which time Lauren, Anna, and Jacob were born of his and Angela’s marriage. He was a loving father who protected his children fiercely. Despite working out of state, he always maintained a residence in his hometown to be close to his children. He was their biggest fan and supporter, never missing one of his children’s games, plays, recitals, academic meets, concerts, school programs, or graduations. Though Paul did not have the opportunity to finish his own degree, he was incredibly proud that all his children graduated as ECU Tigers.
Paul enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved Pauls Valley Panther and Oklahoma University football. There was never a time he was not cheering on his Sooners. He was especially fond of days spent at the lake getting a tan, skiing, and trying mercilessly to sling his kids off the inner tube. Paul loved the Lord and was a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Pauls Valley for years and later attended Crossroads Church in Pauls Valley. He brought cheer and comfort to many with his big heart and strong hugs. Contrary to what his large stature, and sometimes stoic persona presented, he was one of the most kind, tender men who would have done anything he could for a friend or loved one.
Survivors include his brother, Orvil Talkington and wife, Melinda; mother of his three children and life-long friend, Angela Talkington Doss; his daughters, Lauren Talkington and her two daughters, Emi and Ellie Huggans and Anna Wilburn and her husband, Daniel; his son, Jacob Talkington; his nephew, Matthew Talkington and his daughter, Izzy Talkington; his niece, Laura Lee and her husband, Jason Lee, and their sons, Landon and Gunner Lee.
Paul was preceded in death by his father, Earl Talkington and mother, Beth Talkington. It was surely a glorious reunion in heaven between the three.
Funeral services were held Thursday, September 1, 2022, at the Wooster Funeral Home Chapel in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, with Bro. Steve Wilburn officiating. Interment followed in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery under the direction of Wooster Funeral Home. You may send a condolence to the family at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com.
