Milton “Punky” Lumpkin Talbert, Jr. passed away peacefully on June 17, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Punky was preceded in death by parents, Lump and Dot, and brother Tommy.
Punky was born August 8, 1941 in Houston to Milton Lumpkin Talbert and Dorothy Rylander. His family moved to China Spring to their beloved ranch in 1952 so that the boys could learn the value of work. In high school, as an ever-responsible leader, Punky served as class president, manager of the football and basketball teams, yearbook photographer, vice president of Student Council, a member of national beta club, and fire marshal. Upon graduating from China Spring High School in 1959, Punky attended Baylor University where he was a charter member of the KΩT fraternity.
Punky married his high school sweetheart, Natachia “Tot” Langford in 1962 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church before moving to Lubbock to start their great adventure of life together. They were married for 62 years. After transferring to Texas Tech, Punky found his love of finance and numbers, graduating in the honors program with a master’s degree in banking and finance in 1967.
Their first child, Tracy, was born in Lubbock while Punky was in graduate school and Tot was working as an RN at Methodist Hospital. As Punky began working in the oil business, Julie and Todd were welcomed to the family in their Houston home, two years apart. In the ensuing years, Punky oversaw budgeting departments for Shell Oil, ApcoOil, and Northwest Alaskan Pipeline. During this time, he also served as president of the Planning Executive Institute.
Punky returned to China Spring and began managing Show and Tell Antiques and other family ventures. Punky became a skilled appraiser of antiques—an ability that he shared with his mother. During these years, Punky and Tot travelled all over the East Coast, attending auctions and antique shows, while working in sight-seeing along the way.
Punky was a kind and gentle soul who, with Tot, loved hosting family gatherings on Talbert Ranch: be they weddings, crawfish boils, or simply Sunday lunches. Punky’s legacy is filled with loved ones who celebrate his life: wife Tot; brother Richard “Pat” Talbert; daughter Tracy and Michael Larsen; daughter Julie Talbert and Nick Webb; and son Todd Talbert. Further, Milt’s blessing live on in his six grandchildren: Ella and Sam Webb, with his wife Rhayne Trahan-Webb; Luke and Ada Larsen; and Reece and Chance Talbert. Punky was a product of rural China Spring. He cherished his China Spring family and friends.
Special thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Turnage and Accent Hospice for their care and support during his long illness.
Memorial donations may be made to the China Spring United Methodist Church—or to a charity of your choice.
Memorial Service: 11AM Tuesday, June 25 at China Spring United Methodist Church. Punky’s grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.
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So sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family. Punky was a wonderful classmate.
Always love and joy for the happy memories we’ve shared through many years! Trilla
Always love and joy for the happy memories we’ve shared through many years!
The Lyons family send our love to all the Talbert’s and Larson’s. He was a sweet man that we were blessed, honored and thankful to have known.
So sorry for your loss.
Blessings to you and the family, you all will be surrounded by love at this time.
I am so sorry and heartbroken to hear this. It is such a loss for our world. He will surely be missed.
I love your whole family. Love and Blessings to you all.
Marci Bennett
I am so sorry and heartbroken to hear this. It is such a loss for our world. He will surely be missed.
I love your whole family. Love and Blessings to you all.
Tot and family, so sorry for your loss. Class of 59 had great memories!! May God be with you and yours
I have been richly blessed to have know Tot and Milt for over 60 years. I will always cherish the many good memories we have shared throughout the years. My heartfeelt sympathy in the loss of Milt to Tot and all the family.
He will be missed.
With love, Jeannie
Tot, I am so sorry to read about the loss of your husband. Sending prayers for peace and comfort for you and your family.
Tot and Pat, I’m sorry for your loss. Punky will be missed. My thoughts and prayers for the family during this difficult time. With Deepest Sympathy.
Losing a parent is never easy.
Sending love and prayers.