Allen Kendell Talbott

Allen Kendell Talbott, 48, of Elkins, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, January 8, 2026. Known for his boundless creativity, musical talent, and love of the Appalachian outdoors, Allen inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Born Thursday, January 20, 1977, to David and Anita (Kendell) Talbott, Allen grew up in Randolph County and graduated from Elkins High School in 1995. During those years, he became one of the first apprentices at the Old Brick Playhouse, a place that would remain close to his heart throughout his life.
Allen earned a degree in Theater and Music from Davis & Elkins College and went on to share his gifts widely. He spent several years as a featured performer and band leader at Shadowbox Cabaret Newport (now Shadowbox Live), specializing in sketch comedy and music in Cincinnati, Ohio.
His musical journey continued through countless solo performances and appearances with bands such as Polonius Monkey, The Joint Chiefs, The Jive Creek Ramblers, The Family Foundation, and Chaga Tea Project. His most recently released project-a collaborative reimagining of the classic bluegrass song "Shady Grove" in an Appalachian reggae style-brought together a diverse group of musicians and showcased his innovative spirit.
Allen also worked for many years as a guitar technician, repairing and customizing instruments with exceptional skill. Most recently, he opened the Elkins Rock Shop, where he taught private guitar lessons and offered repair and customization services to fellow musicians. He had also returned to the Old Brick Playhouse as a performer, co-music director, and apprentice instructor.
Beyond music, Allen embraced the outdoors with passion. He spent summers working with Appalachian Expeditions, combining his love for adventure with a mission to inspire awareness of the central Appalachian region. Skilled in backpacking and primitive camping, Allen found joy exploring the hills of West Virginia and the Red River Gorge of Kentucky. Living with Type 1 diabetes never slowed him down; instead, he turned it into an opportunity to educate others, filming his backcountry adventures and proving that challenges could be met with courage-and often with a chessboard tucked in his pack.
In recent years, Allen pursued a license as an Emergency Medical Technician and used these life-saving skills during the recent Covid crisis. He was preparing to continue his medical career with a new job just this year.
As a devoted father, Allen shared his passions with his children. He traveled to cheer competitions and attended his daughter Jadyn Talbott-Boord's opening night performances, encouraging her love of performance and proudly celebrating her recent start in Dramatic Arts as a college student and intern at an Off-Broadway theater. With his son, Amos Talbott, Allen enjoyed building and flying model airplanes, spending countless hours together under the open skies in and around Elkins. They shared time together being silly, enjoying the outdoors, and playing chess.
Allen was preceded in death by his parents, David and Anita Talbott. He is survived by his children, Jadyn and Amos; sisters Susan (Mark) Guiteras of Magnolia, Delaware, and Denise (Jonathan) Leak of Woodstock, Georgia; nieces Lauren (Tim), Bethany (Chad), Allison, and Lillian; nephews Ethan (Amy) and Joshua; and his beloved new dog, Dobie, now living in Delaware.
A music-filled celebration of Allen's life will be held on Saturday, February 7, at the Old Brick Playhouse in Elkins, WV. Doors open at noon EST, with a service at 1:00 p.m., followed by music and fellowship. Friends and family are invited to share stories and songs in his honor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Allen's name to The Old Brick Playhouse www.theoldbrickplayhouse.org