Donald Ray Talbert

On March 20, 2024, at 12:16 a.m., with Special Orders from the Master in hand, the Angels of the Lord took flight and escorted Donald Ray to his eternal home.
Donald Ray Talbert, affectionately known as "Duck" was born September 2, 1947, in Lake Charles, LA. He was the first of six children born to the union of the late Agnes George Talbert and the late Gabriel Talbert. He was baptized at an early age accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at Christian Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor W. C. Clark where he remained a devoted member for over 65 years ending under the leadership of Pastor Edward Alexander, Jr. Before his health declined, Donald Ray was a faithful member of the CBC Usher Board where he proudly served wherever needed for over 20 years and was always willing to lead by example.
Donald Ray attended Second Ward School for his primary education. He attended W. O. Boston High School where he participated in track and football before graduating in 1965. Following graduation, Donald Ray joined the United States Navy where he completed a tour of service in Guam, the Philippine Islands and Japan. In 1967 after completion of his military service and receiving an Honorable Discharge, Donald Ray worked at Cities Service Refinery for one year. In 1968, he began employment at Firestone Polymers Rubber Plant where he worked for over 34 years until his medical retirement in 2002.
On December 16, 1967, Donald Ray married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Joyce Campbell of Lake Charles, LA, and to this union, two children were born; one son, Kevin Troy (Spike) Talbert and one daughter, Donella Rene Talbert. Until the time of his death, Donald Ray's devotion to Brenda was shown in his role as her primary caregiver.
Donald Ray was a good provider, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle. Before his health declined, his hobbies included maintaining his lawn, his neighbor's lawn, gardening, and cooking for his family. Most family gatherings were hosted at his home. He was a beast on the barbeque pit as well and was famous for his ribs. Everyone who truly knew him knew that his main hobby was listening to and playing music. His love of music at an early age led him and his favorite brother, Ernest, to become disc jockeys in 1978 entertaining all over Lake Charles. Due to his popularity, he earned his nickname, "D.J. Duck." With his uplifting spirit, he was not satisfied until his fans were satisfied. Donald Ray was thrilled to record various styles of music on CD's, cassette tapes and USB drives for people. He entertained with all genres of music EXCEPT RAP and he had no problem letting you know this! He and Brenda enjoyed going to Fresno, TX to spend quality time with their daughter and son-in-law, Calvin, who they were very fond of. When his granddaughters were young, he loved watching them run track. Later in life, with that same level of pride and admiration, he saw his great-granddaughter excel in gymnastics and cheer and his great-grandson excel in both football and baseball. He nurtured all four of his great grandchildren and loved every minute of it.
Donald Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Gabriel Talbert and Agnes George Talbert, one son, Kevin Troy Talbert, father-in-law, Willie Edward Campbell, Sr., mother-in-law, Elizabeth Campbell, two brothers, James Calvin "Jimmy" Talbert and Ronald Gabriel Talbert, two sisters, Joan Cuba and Linda Lilly, two half-brothers, Wilson "Jr. Boy" Clayton, Jr. and Alvin Ray (Ghost) Talbert, one half-sister, Dorothy Barnes, three sisters-in-law, Cassandra Talbert, Judy Talbert and Margaret Roberts, three brothers-in-law, Robert Cuba, Sr., John Stevens and Willie "Bill" Campbell, Jr., four nephews, Kenneth Moorer, Gary Doss, John Cuba, and James Moorer, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Donald Ray is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Brenda Talbert, of Lake Charles, LA, one daughter, Donella Rene (Calvin) Griffin of Fresno, TX, two sisters, Orelia Stevens of Downey, CA and Faye (Tony) Toussand of Lake Charles, LA; one brother, Ernest (Debra) Talbert, two granddaughters, Jasmine Danielle (Darrell) Stubin of Lake Charles, LA and Jade Elizabeth Moore of Lake Charles, LA; two great granddaughters, Jaelei and Jewells Stubin, and two great grandsons, Draelyn and Draek Stubin, one God son, Michael Gabriel Lilly of Lake Charles, LA, and Nicholas Ryan and Nadia Ryan, both of Lake Charles, LA as well as a special friend Marcus Hargrove, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.