Chester Talton facts for kids

Chester Lovelle Talton (born September 22, 1941, died November 20, 2025) was an important leader in the Episcopal Church in America. He was a bishop who helped guide the Diocese of San Joaquin for a time. Bishop Talton dedicated his life to serving his community and the church.

Chester Talton: A Life of Service

Early Life and Family

Chester Talton was born on September 22, 1941, in El Dorado, Arkansas. His parents were Chester Talton and Mae Ola Shells. He grew up and later began his journey in church leadership.

He became a deacon in 1970 and a priest in February 1971. These roles are important steps in becoming a church leader. He served in the Diocese of California, which is based in San Francisco.

Chester Talton married Karen Louise Warren on August 25, 1963. They had four children together. Karen Talton passed away in 2003. Later, in 2007, he married April Grayson, who was also a church leader in the Diocese of Los Angeles. Bishop Talton was African American, and he was one of many African American bishops in the Episcopal Church.

Bishop Talton passed away on November 20, 2025, in Altadena, California, after a surgery. He was 84 years old.

His Education Journey

Chester Talton was dedicated to learning throughout his life. He attended California State University, Hayward. There, he earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in 1965.

He then went to the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California. This is a special school for people studying to become church leaders. He earned his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree in 1970. Later, he also received a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) degree, showing his deep commitment to his studies.

Important Roles He Held

Bishop Talton held many important roles throughout his career in the Episcopal Church.

• From 2011 to 2014, he served as the Provisional Bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin. This meant he helped lead the church in that area during a special period.
• Before that, he was a Bishop Suffragan for the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles from 1991 to 2010. A Bishop Suffragan assists the main bishop in their duties.
• He also served as a Rector at St. Philip's Church in New York City (Harlem) from 1985 to 1990. A Rector is the main priest in charge of a church parish.
• Other roles included being a Mission Officer at Trinity Church Wall Street in New York City from 1981 to 1985.
• He was also a Rector at St. Philip's Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota, from 1976 to 1981.
• Earlier in his career, he was a Vicar at Holy Cross Church in Chicago, Illinois, from 1973 to 1976. A Vicar is another type of church leader, often in charge of a smaller church or mission.
• He also served as a Vicar at St. Mathias' Mission and a Curate at All Saints' Church in Carmel, California, from 1971 to 1973.
• His first role as a Vicar was at Good Shepherd Church in Berkeley, California, from 1970 to 1971.

Bishop Talton was officially consecrated as a bishop on January 26, 1991. This special ceremony was performed by other church leaders, including Edmond L. Browning, Orris George Walker, and Robert Marshall Anderson.