Paul DeWaine “Dude” Talbert, 55, of Flora, Illinois, and formerly of Johnsonville, entered the gates of Heaven at 2:48 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri.
He was born October 29, 1970, in Fairfield, the son of the late Pauletta Kay Talbert. On January 6, 2024, Paul married Shannon Turner Hays Talbert of Flora.
Paul is survived by his wife Shannon (Turner Hays) Talbert; daughter, Chaside (Austin) Pepple of Johnsonville and daughters, Samantha (Brandon) Fancher of Louisville, Alexandria (Josh) Stroud of Flora; son, Trenton Tidwell of Chicago; his cherished grandchildren, Mabrey Rae Pepple, Maisyn Kae Pepple, Cole Wayne Pepple; Aurora Jane Fancher, Graclynn Jo Fancher, Rosanna June Fancher, Landon Carter Stroud, Grayson Vernon Stroud and Paxton Kai Stroud.
Paul is also survived by his aunt Paula (Leroy) Thompson of Mt. Vernon; uncle, Mark (Melissa) Talbert of Johnsonville; mother-in-law Sheila (Vernon) Pittman of Rinard; father-in-law Chris Turner of O’Fallon; brothers-in-law Matthew Turner of Princeton, Indiana, Travis Lichtenfels of Salem, Jarid Lichtenfels of Mt. Vernon and several cousins.
Known to many simply as “Dude,” Paul had an easygoing personality and a heart that was always willing to help others. In his younger years, he spent countless hours alongside his grandpa Bernard, tending to hogs on the family farm and helping maintain township roads. Paul was truly a jack of all trades. There wasn’t much he couldn’t do. Throughout his life, he farmed, worked in the oil field and construction, drove a truck and worked as a mechanic. If something was broken, Paul could usually fix it.
Before an accident that took away the use of his legs, Paul loved nothing more than riding his Harley-Davidson and spending time outdoors. If asked, Paul would say that his greatest accomplishment and joy in life was his beloved daughter Chaside.
Paul was preceded in death by his mother Pauletta Kay Talbert; his uncles Faron Talbert and Allen Talbert and his grandparents Bernard and Colleen Talbert as well as sister-in-law Brandy Turner Cook and mother-in-law Sandy Turner.
Paul’s willingness to help others and his love for his family and friends will be remembered by all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, the memories he created and the lives he touched will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved him.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” —Psalm 34:18
A funeral ceremony celebrating the life of Paul will begin at 2 p.m. Monday, August 3, 2026, at Johnsonville United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Harrell Cemetery. A visitation will take place from 5 until 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Memorial donations are suggested to Johnsonville United Methodist Church.
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