Joseph Allen “Pastor T” Talhelm
It is with great sadness that the Talhelm family announces the passing of Joseph Allen Talhelm, 57, from this world to God’s Kingdom in Heaven. Joe, or Pastor T as he was most commonly known, left this world Friday evening, Aug. 1, 2014, peacefully in his home in Ebenezer. His death was the result of melanoma cancer which had turned his body into a shell of it’s former self. However, most everyone will remember Joe much differently!
He was the kind of man who was agreeable and harmonious in his work, always happy to serve others. No matter who you were, you were treated with respect, kindness, and a familiarity right from the start, because that is how Pastor T loved to be treated himself. He never met a stranger and accepted people into his circle of friends immediately! A genuine and down to earth man, Joe’s special gift in this life was LAUGHTER. Throughout almost two years of multiple surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy, he daily declared with certainty, “Today’s a good day.” Kids and teens were especially important to Pastor T. He routinely bought youngsters candy bars, just because they stood near him in the grocery line.
Joe Talhelm was vivacious in life, and dependable to not just his family, or his church, but to the entire community. He loved to cook for people, and although he was born a Yankee, he definitely mastered GUMBO!
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Rebecca O’Neal Talhelm (Crowley); his son, Andrew James Talhelm and wife Callie (Scott); his daughter, Anne Michelle Talhelm (Crowley); honored son from Trinidad, Keagan Gopaul and wife Jessica (Duson); four beloved grandchildren – Ariel, Alexis, Brooke and Layne Leverett–Talhelm. Also mourning his loss are his mother, Sylvia Talhelm Lyles; brother James Talhelm and wife Ann; and sister Teri Talhelm Perry and husband Chris (who all reside in Indianapolis, Indiana); his mother-in-law, Pauline O’Neal (St. Petersburg, Florida); and brother-in-law, Rock O’Neal and wife Nadia (Indian Shores, Florida).
Joe was preceeded in death by his father, Eldon A. Talhelm; father-in-law, Robert L. O’Neal; and sister Mary Talhelm Meiser.
Pastor Joe Talhelm faithfully pastored the Ebenezer Church of the Nazarene in Crowley for over 22 years. The congregants of this church are his family, too, and we request your prayers for the days and months ahead as the church transitions into the future with new leadership. He has finished his race well on this earth and would say to you now, “Wish you were here!”
A Memorial Celebration of Pastor T’s life will be led by his dear friend Rev. David Runyan on Saturday, Aug. 9, at 2 p.m. (Ebenezer Church of the Nazarene, 1020 Ebenezer Road, Crowley).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made either to Ebenezer Nazarene Church local compassionate ministries fund, or to the Miles Perret Cancer Services, P.O. Box 80763, Lafayette, LA, 70598. If you plan on attending this celebration, we ask that you please bring a bell with you.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements.