Kenneth Talkington

It is with profound sadness, yet great joy, that we announce the death of Kenneth "Ken" Max Talkington. Ken passed on September 26, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. He was 86 years of age.

Ken was born to Wilma "Tiny" Talkington and Ora Rice Talkington in Tyler, Texas on March 26, 1938. Ken graduated from Tyler High School, and his adventurous spirit led him to walk on the Texas Tech Red Raiders football team where he eventually became the starting quarterback. He was a three-year Letterman for the Red Raiders and was voted Captain. In his student life at Texas Tech, he was voted Mr. Texas Tech and elected Student Council President.

While at Texas Tech, Ken met a lovely young woman named Sandra Adams. She was the love of Ken's life. They wed in the summer of 1961 and remained happily married for more than 63 years. Their loving and committed relationship was an inspiration to all who knew them.

Soon after Ken and Sandra were married, he began his studies at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Following an internship and residency specializing in Obstetrics-Gynecology at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Ken served two years as captain in the United States Air Force Medical Corps.

Ken made significant contributions to the medical profession. He co-founded his private medical practice in 1971 and later served as President of the Southwestern Gynecological Association. He was loved and respected by his colleagues and patients because he believed "The art of caring for patients is caring for patients." 

In addition to his faith in God, his devotion to his family, and his enjoyment of golf with family and friends, Ken was passionate about Texas Tech University. He had a major and lasting impact on Texas Tech, serving on the board of directors for the Ex-Students Association, the Red Raider Club, and representing Texas Tech as part of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association. He was inducted into the Texas Tech Athletic Hall of Honor and was later recognized as a Distinguished Alumni by the university.

Beyond his work life, Ken was deeply involved in the community. He served on the Arlington Big Brothers board of directors where he helped create the Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament. He served two terms on the Arlington ISD Board of Trustees and served as a Lay Leader and a member of many committees at Trinity United Methodist  Church. He and Sandra supported and participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and YoungLife. Most of all, he loved coaching his three sons in Optimist league football.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Wilma "Tiny" Talkington and Ora Rice Talkington and his sister, Elizabeth Talkington. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Sandra Adams Talkington; sons Kyle Talkington, Bart (Jennifer) Talkington, and Ross (Bryn) Talkington; grandchildren Hailee (David) Boyd, Brooks (Hope) Talkington, Grace Talkington, Nickolas Basiardanes, and Jack Basiardanes, and one great grandchild, Dezi Boyd.

A visitation for Kenneth at Wade Family Funeral Home in Arlington will be held from 6:00pm-8:00pm on Friday, October 11. A Celebration of Life for Kenneth will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, October 12, at Gospel City Church in Arlington (Pantego), and he will be laid to rest at Moore Memorial Gardens on Monday, October 14, following a private family graveside service.

Kenneth "Ken" Max Talkington was a beloved husband, devoted father, dedicated physician and long-time pillar of the Arlington community. While we mourn the loss of this remarkable gentleman, we also celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure in the hearts of those who knew him. Ken will be dearly missed, but his spirit will live on in the memories of those who were touched by his warmth and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to either Fellowship of Christian Athletes (click here to donate now) or YoungLife (click here to donate now), both Christ-centered ministries that were close to Ken's heart.