Gene Talburt

Gene Talburt, age 93, passed away early on October 13, 2025, at his home in Heber Springs. He was born in Batesville, AR, to Ernest and Geneva Talburt. He started first grade at Mountain View and finished his schooling at Batesville High School. Gene was raised a Baptist and most recently attended Little Red River Bible Church. He never met a stranger and was known to be a wonderful storyteller.

He had many careers throughout his life including: selling or trading just about anything, truck driving, regional campaign manager for Rockefeller, and was the former Director of Civil Defense for the State of Arkansas (now known as ADEM), to name a few. He was an avid golfer and lived on the 9th fairway. He was a retired Major in the Arkansas National Guard and a 32nd Degree Mason. Gene was a member of the Bell Lodge #322 and was a former Shriner.

He married the love of his life, Bettye in 1951, and they were married for 56 years until her death in 2007. They raised two daughters: Jeannie Ann and Jennie Faith. He was the proud Granddad or PopPop of Laura Kowis Crisel (Brandon), Matthew Smith and Haley Smith (Blake). He was honored to be the great grandparent of Charlee, Bryce, Austin, Aubrey and Libby Smith.

He is survived by his daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters Edith Ernestine Higginbotham, and Debbie Powell (Robert), brothers Dwight (Camille) and John Talburt, sister-in-law Pat Whitfield, son-in-law Melvin Smith, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Bettye, brother Jerry, parents, brothers-in-law Norris Whitfield and Glen Higginbotham, and sister-in-law Dorma Talburt.

Graveside services will be Friday, October 17, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville with Larry Wilhite officiating.

Honorary Pallbearers are Matthew Smith, Austin Smith, Melvin Smith, Larry Wilhite, Todd Wood, Blake Smith and Bryce Smith.

Arrangements by Qualls Funeral Homes.

The family gives special thanks to his dedicated caregivers Danita, Cathy, and LeAnn, and to Hospice Home Care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to St. Jude’s Shriners Hospital for Children, Arkansas Childrens Hospital, Waychoff Senior Center, your local humane society, or the charity of your choice.