Mr. Donald L. Talbert

TALBERT, Mr. Donald L. Age 72, passed away Monday, June 6, 2016 at the VA Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI. Family hour 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 13, 2016 at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 1083 E. Stewart Ave., with funeral service commencing at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Dr. Lewis Randolph Host Pastor. Interment Great Lakes National Cemetery, G-4200 Belford Rd., Holly MI. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00 a.m. Monday. Mr. Talbert now lies in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. today, with the family present from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. to receive friends. Donald Lawrence Talbert Jr. was born June 25th, 1943 in Flint MI to the union of Donald Lawrence Talbert Sr. and Vivian Wright Talbert. As a young boy, Donald grew up on Liberty St. and remained a resident of Flint his entire life. He was a member of Quinn Chapel AME, where he accepted Christ at a young age. He graduated from Southwestern High School in Flint in 1961. Following high school, he served in the Vietnam War. Donald received an Associate’s Degree in Mathematics at Mott Community College before transferring to the University of Michigan-Flint where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in African American Studies. Donald married the love of his life, Edna Brown in 1971 and they spent the next 45 years of their lives together. Donald’s dedication to his family was unwavering. He never missed an opportunity to share knowledge with his kids and grandkids about worldly issues. He always could be depended on to participate in community activities, and neighborhood improvement programs. Donald enjoyed collecting sports cards, coins, and also photography. He had a passion for teaching youth reading, writing, and comprehension, and providing the resources and tools needed for successful entry into GM’s Apprenticeship Program. His accomplishments include: retiring General Motors after 45 years of employment, being a member of the NAACP; Writing a book entitled “Being Black in Vietnam” which was published in 2014. Being the Senior UAW Apprenticeship Instructor and Trainer under the UAW Local 599, being a community Civil Rights Activist, and President of the Million March; inventing obtaining a United States Patent for the Metalcraft Outdoor Cooker Barbeque Grill’s ornamental design, creating many posters to display the accomplishments and achievements of notable Flint resident to display during Black History Month each year; Becoming a noted sports writer for the Flint Enquirer Newspaper and the Beloit Chronicle, and one of his favorites, serving on the committee for the “Southside Reunion” in Flint, MI He leaves to cherish his memory, Wife of 45 years, Edna J. Talbert; 3 Children: Cathy (Barry) Fletcher Sr. of Flint Township, MI; Donald Lawrence Talbert III of Mt. Morris, MI; and Edward Talbert of Camp Springs, MD; 6 Grandchildren: Barry Fletcher Jr. of Lansing, MI; Esha Fletcher of Flint Township, MI; Tiarra Talbert of Indianapolis, IN; Cameron Harris of Peoria, IL; Falon Fletcher of Flint Township, MI; and Jecorian Willis of Mt. Morris, MI; 1 Great Grandchild: Loj’Q Talbert of Indianapolis, IN; 1 Sister: Lin (Danny) Williams of Cleveland Heights, OH: 2 Brothers: William Calloway Jr. of Grand Blanc, MI; and David Calloway of Flushing, MI; 3 Sister(s)- in- law: Rosie (Columbus) Brooks of Flint, MI: Clozetta Cunningham of Tacoma, WA; and Betty Lawrence of Mt. Morris, MI; 2 Brother(s) - in - law: John (Viney) Brown of Flint, MI and Thomas (Alberta) Brown of Houston, TX; 6 Nieces: Shannon Brooks of Troy, MI; Djuana Jackson of Flint, MI; Angela (David) Wheeler of Southfield, MI; 6 Nephews: Derrick Jackson of Dallas, TX; Willie Lawrence of Flint, MI; John Brown Jr. of Flint, MI; Kevin Calloway of Columbus, OH; Gary (Naketa) Brown of Rochester Hills, MI; and Quantae Calloway of Flint, MI; A host of other relatives and special friends including Herman Miller and Michael Pea. Donald preceded in death by Daughter, Cassandra Talbert; Mother, Vivian Calloway; Father, Donald Talbert Sr.; Sister, Jo-Ann Talbert; Step Father, William Calloway Sr.; and Sister in law, Sandra Calloway

Mr. Donald L. Talbert

June 25, 1943 - June 6, 2016