Hugh Mathis Talbert

1937 - 2025

Hugh Mathis Talbert
Fairplay - Hugh Mathis Talbert, resident of Fairplay, Colorado, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025. Hugh was born on December 5, 1937, in Kennett, Missouri to Clifford and Kathryn Talbert. He was a graduate of Kennett High School in 1955, and earned a BA in History at Washington University in St. Louis. He subsequently attended law school at Washington University where he earned his JD and LLM in law. Hugh was a dedicated litigator, and practiced law for more than 50 years in the St. Louis metro area. Hugh made his home in Alton, Illinois, where he centered his life and raised his children. He retired from the practice of law in Alton, and soon after, permanently relocated with his wife to Fairplay, Colorado in 2011.
Hugh is survived by his wife Carol Ann Talbert (Federick) of Chicago, Illinois, and his brother Clifford (Tim) Talbert, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Hugh is predeceased by his brother Robert Talbert of Kennett, Missouri, and Genevieve Barrett of Norfolk, Virginia. Hugh is also survived by his three children, Kathryn Talbert of Nashua, New Hampshire, William Talbert and his wife Stephanie of Prairie Village, Kansas, and Geoffrey Talbert and his wife Jessica of Arvada, Colorado. Hugh was the proud grandfather of Dylan, Sophia, Jackson, Genevieve, Martin, Willow, and Amber.
The legacy Hugh leaves for his children is one of honesty, integrity, and a commitment to fierce advocacy for the those without a voice. Hugh was a constant reader of history and uncompromising about his liberal politics. Hugh was happy to engage in conversations about politics and always enjoyed a lively disagreement, although he did not abide the ignorance of others with much diplomacy. Understandably, his focus on the common good, and not repeating historical mistakes, was passed along to his children. He will be missed by those who loved him and his memory will always be with his family and friends.