Curtis Lawrence Talbot

Jan. 22, 1943 – March 31, 2026

Curtis Lawrence Talbot passed away on March 31, 2026. 

He was born on January 22, 1943, in Waltham, Massachusetts, to Lawrence Ernest Talbot and Marion Evelyn Bailey. Curtis was the oldest of three sons.

He was an active youth. He was involved in the scouting program and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He had a newspaper route when he was younger and took a job at JC Penney working in the men’s department. 

He excelled in school and was the first in his family to attend college. He went to Bates College in Maine for his undergraduate degree in geology. He then went to the University of Wyoming and received his master’s degree in geology. 

He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Laramie. While there, he met and married Varian Despain. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 5, 1967. They are the proud parents of nine children.

Curtis started his career working for Shell Oil Company on the Gulf Coast. He worked as a geologist for several other companies through the years. He also taught in schools in several capacities, including elementary, high school and college level. He had a great love of the teaching of geology. 

He traveled widely to share his fossil and mineral collection, as well as his expertise. He wrote papers that were published nationally. His proudest work achievement was the artesian water well drilled for Cowley.

He served in numerous positions in the church. He had a great interest in genealogy and family history. He loved music and sang throughout his life.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Glenn B. Talbot and Philip G. Talbot and oldest son Tharan Talbot.

He is survived by his loving wife, Varian; children Varina (Michael) Workman, Miriam (Matthew) Gage, Ariana (Kevin) Vance, Adrien (Taya) Talbot, Reuben (Stephanie) Talbot, Ketura Talbot, Cambia (Perry) McCollom and Kadria (Joshua) Drake; daughter-in-law Karen Talbot; 29 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was held on April 6 at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Worland with a visitation being held one hour prior. He was buried in the Riverview Memorial Gardens cemetery in Worland. 

Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.