Paul DeWaine “Dude” Talbert, age 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, and Cole Wayne Pepple; Aurora Jane Fancher, Graclynn Jo Fancher, and Rosanna June Fancher; and 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, and 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. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com