Rev. Dr. Kenneth Gary Talbot, 67

Reverend, Dr. Kenneth Gary Talbot, 67, of Lakeland, Florida passed away peacefully on August 18, 2022, surrounded by his wife and daughters.

Ken grew up in Rittman, Ohio, a town he loved and was sad to leave, but frequently visited over the years. Ken became fiercely passionate about pursuing his call to ministry at the age of seventeen, at which time he dedicated his life to the Lord and serving the church.

In 1973, at Midwestern Bible College Ken met the love of his life, Phyllis Bigelow, a match truly made in heaven. Ken & Phyllis were married on June 1, 1974; and welcomed daughters Alyson (September 19, 1978) and Alyssa (March 29, 1992).

Ken was a loyal servant to God, first and foremost. He loved his church family and sharing the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with as many people as possible. After completing his Bachelor of Arts (1976) and Master of Arts (1978) in ministry from Faith Baptist College, Ken founded Christ Presbyterian Church and Whitefield Theological Seminary, which he led for over forty years. In addition to leading two ministries, Ken was a devoted life-time student to the Word of God, earning numerous Ph.D.’s from Christian colleges and universities across the U.S. When he wasn’t training and mentoring others for a life in ministry, Ken also devoted time to counseling individuals and families in need.

In what spare time he had, Ken loved playing golf and jamming on one of his many guitars. He was a Star Trek, Star Wars, and in general science fiction enthusiast, a Civil war history buff, rock’n’roll loving, “Dad” joke telling, trouble-maker with a cause for Christ.

Anyone who knew Ken knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. His unwavering faith in God and guidance were the foundation of his family. Ken joins his father Dorly Waldo Talbot, mother Clara Daugherty, and second father Millard Daugherty in Heaven. Ken is survived by his beloved wife Phyllis Talbot, daughters Alyson Funkhouser (Nick) and Alyssa Talbot, grandchildren James Kenneth “Landon” Funkhouser and Addison Funkhouser, brother Rev., Dr. Randal Talbot (Meredith), and his fur babies Beth and Crystal (King Charles Cavalier Spaniels).

A Graveside Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 26, 2022, at Serenity Gardens Cemetery (3350 Mall Hill Dr). Following the graveside, family will receive friends at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church (1820 Co Rd 540A) at 11:30 a.m. for refreshments and reminiscing, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please bless our mom, Phyllis Talbot, with the gift of your time. Take a moment to write her a personal note including a favorite memory about Ken, call and check-in on her, share a photo of Ken that she may not have, or reach out to offer an activity (meet for coffee or dinner, a leisurely walk, or a scrabble match). Grief can be isolating, and time spent with family and friends can be one of the most important gifts one can receive. Condolences may be sent to the family at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes.