Judy Neuman and I met Keith and Blanche Talkington at an Illinois District Council meeting in Carlinville, IL. They were pastoring our Assemblies of God church in  Columbia, Illinois. The late Rev. Marvin and Linda Cavanaugh introduced us and we became life-long friends. I pastored Lansing Assembly of God for 43 years, and throughout their missionary service our small church supported them at $135 per month. We often joked about the long, long table of fellowship whenever they were on furlough. Soon all of us will be reunited at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Condolences to the  family of Pastor Keith Talkington. I was blessed to know Pastor Keith and Blanche Talkington  in Pakistan where they served the Protestant International Church so well after the church had been bombed shortly before they came. Keith was a wonderful pastor, missionary and friend.

I remember meeting Keith and Blanche way back in the 1970s. His heart for God and people always shined through. Blessings and love to the family prayers and respect, Gary and Bonnie Grogan, Urbana, Illinois.

Psalms 116:15, Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.
We know Ps. Talking and sis Blanche as co-church members. When we first came into the church they volunteered to speak with us, enquired us very lovingly and showed interest in our wellbeing. Me and my family experienced real love of God whenever we interacted with them. They visited our house, invited us into their house and prayed for us. 
Thank God for the opportunity to know them. We will surely miss them. What a great example before our eyes to love and serve the Lord. Praying for comfort to his children.

Our home was in Pakistan during 9/11.  We were asked by AGWM to evacuate the country.  We did.  Shortly after returning, I was asked to participate in the Calvary Temple Springfield, IL missions convention in March of 2002. There I met Keith and Blanch Talkington.  The church had a very nice break area for the missionaries to rest between activities.  One day Keith and I met in that room.  I said to him I had heard so many wonderful things about their work in Japan and to tell me firsthand. He told me what they had done over two decades. He said they felt the Lord was leading them to another place. A place they had never considered.  I shared with them the need our International church in Islamabad, Pakistan had for a pastor.  A week later, in another missions convention, the Talkingtons saw a newscast while eating breakfast.  The church I spoke to him about, the Protestant International Church, was bombed by Al Queda.  Four people were killed and eighty-five wounded. Keith said the Holy Spirit said to him, “You will pastor that church.”  They did.  The building was repaired, but the wounds of terror were deep.  The Talkingtons brought healing to that wounded church body and the American/Pakistani and International community.  They even opened services in the American Embassy weekly.  They were perfect for the church and community for such a time.  Keith was an incredible pastor/ community leader who also worked and played well with others.  As their Area Director then, I loved to stay with them at PIC. I ever learned from him.  When I had a prayer need, I turned to Blanche.  An incredible believer, husband, father, grandfather, friend & colleague.  See you again dear friend.

OBITUARY

Keith Earl Talkington

April 29, 1946 – January 5, 2024

Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home

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