Elton Dean "Bub" Talbert

Elton Dean Talbert, affectionately known to all as "Bub," lived a life that could easily fill a book with laughter, love, and the roar of a drag racing engine. Born on April 5, 1947, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Bub set off on the great race of life that would take him through twists and turns, over hills and valleys, and straight into the hearts of everyone he met. On September 9, 2025, Bub crossed the ultimate finish line in Oklahoma City, leaving behind a legacy that would make any stand-up comic envious of his material.
Bub was the kind of man who could light up a room with his generous smile and keep it bright with his friendly banter. His loving nature was no act; it was as genuine as his passion for drag racing, where he spent many a weekend turning the quarter-mile into his personal stage, much to the delight of fellow enthusiasts.
His co-star and leading lady, Mickey Talbert, was by his side through every scene of their lives, providing love, laughter, and an occasional reality check. Together, they crafted a love story that could rival any romantic comedy. Bub's supporting cast included his daughter Gaylein Ford, her husband Mark Ford, and his scene-stealer of a grandson, Andrew Talbert, who inherited Bub's comedic timing and his need for speed.
Off the track, Bub's plotline was equally compelling. An Air Force veteran with a bachelor's degree, Bub served his country with the same dedication he gave to every episode of his life. His career in communications with Continental Telephone and Executone wasn't just a job; it was an extended improv session where he could spin a yarn, share a joke, or lend an ear with equal ease.
Bub's script didn't stop at work. He was an active participant in animal welfare, contributing not just his time but also his heart to our furry friends in need. His generosity extended to all walks of life, whether they walked on two legs or four.
But let's not forget the man's interests that were as rich and diverse as his personality. Drag racing wasn't just a hobby; it was a passion. The smell of burnt rubber and the sound of revving engines were music to his ears. And when he wasn't at the track, you could find him sharing stories that were sure to leave you in stitches, proving that while he might have been an amateur on the drag strip, he was a professional in the art of storytelling.
To describe Bub in a few words would be like trying to summarize Shakespeare's works in a tweet. Generous, friendly, and loving only scratch the surface. He was a man whose laughter was infectious, whose kindness knew no bounds, and whose presence could never be replicated.
As the curtain falls on Bub's final act, let us remember him not with sorrow but with the joy he brought into our lives. He may have left the stage, but his performance will live on in the encore of memories he leaves behind. So, rev your engines one last time for Bub, a man who raced through life with a twinkle in his eye and left us all cheering for more. Curtain call, Bub, and take a bow. You've earned it.