Arthur “Bo” Talkington, 73, of Emory, died on February 3, 2025. He was born in Dallas, on December 16, 1951, to Wilton Collins Talkington and Dorothy Hegstrom Talkington.
Mr. Talkington graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, where he was named Athlete of the Year in 1969 and earned All-District, All-East Texas, and MVP honors that same year.
His educational journey began with a full-ride football scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, where he played before returning to Texas to attend Tyler Junior College. He completed his studies at the University of North Texas, earning his degree in Biology. He started his career as a coach and teacher in the mid-1970s at Dallas Carter High School.
He coached and taught at numerous schools, including Overton, Wills Point, and others across East Texas. His distinguished coaching career spanned more than 30 years and included being named East Texas Coach of the Year in 1983, Area Coach of the Year in 1982, and Coach of the Year in 1988. He was also honored as Baseball Coach of the Year at Dallas Carter. At Rains High School, he left behind a lasting legacy, particularly through his iconic “Blue Tattoo”, a symbol of his dedication to the athletes and community he served.
In his downtime, he loved to go fishing with friends. The fishing trips were more than just about catching fish—they were about the camaraderie, the laughs, and the shared moments with the people who mattered most to him.
Above all, he was a devoted husband. He dedicated himself fully to taking care of his wife, Kim, providing love, support, and care during her final years.
Mr. Talkington is survived by his children, Torie Talkington, Tara Talkington, Ginger Talkington, Lance Talkington, and Shannon Addison; stepdaughters, Kaley Jones and Kara Harper; brother, Steve Talkington; his grandchildren, Blake and Landry Addison, Avery, Tyler, and Miles Talkington, Jett and Journey Jones, Kade, Kohen, and Kolbie Harper, and Rylynne Westra; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Kimballa Talkington; son, Tyler Talkington; daughter, Genie Talkington Westra; sister, Genie Talkington; brother, Bart Talkington; and his parents.