Roy William Lambert

Roy William Lambert was born on December 14, 1922, in Wellsville, Kansas, to Harvey J. and Fannie Ellen (Ramey) Lambert. His siblings are George P. Lambert, who is deceased, Harvey Lambert, Jr., of Olathe, and Evelyn Starbuck of Topeka. He was a lifelong Franklin County, Kansas resident, living in Wellsville and Ottawa, until his death Tuesday, January 28, 2003, at the age of eighty years. Roy attended Salem Hall Country School, south of Wellsville, through the eighth grade. When Roy was a young man, he was set up by a co-worker to meet the co-worker's cousin, Betty, for dinner. The couple began dating from that night on. On August 23, 1941, Roy was united in marriage with Betty Ilene McGee at Wellsville, Kansas. She survives of their home in Ottawa. Roy and Betty have three loving daughters, Dixie Farrell and her husband, Gary, of Lawrence, Shirley Glass and her husband, Max, of Peoria, Illinois, and Patty Bunch and her husband, Tom, of Ottawa. They have five grandchildren, Julie Tesmer, Michele Rutledge, Hollie Carrender, Tiffany McCune, and Tim Bunch, six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Roy proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Force, from 1942 to 1945, during World War II, and from 1945 to 1986 in the Air Force Reserves, stationed out of Olathe and Richards-Gebaur of Kansas City. He was a radio operator, attaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He received several awards and citations, including the Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. While in the Philippines, Roy was known as 'Uncle Charlie' to the men for 'Makin' the Candy'. He had sent home for a fudge recipe, and whenever he could, he would make fudge in a big kettle for the men. Roy began civilian life working a milk route. He then purchased and operated the Sinclair Service Station located at Logan and Main in Ottawa and, later, repaired appliances for Crites Appliance, also in Ottawa. Before retiring in 1986, Roy owned and operated Lambert Appliance Repair in Mission, Kansas, for twenty years. He attended North Baptist Church in Ottawa. He served as Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901 of Ottawa; 2nd District Commander; and Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #9113 of Wellsville. He was also a member of the 442nd Military Troop Carrier Wing. Roy was always proud of his gardens. He spent many years caring for them. He was an avid bowler, bowling every week with his buddies from his bowling league. Roy loved cooking. He was famous to his family for his German Chocolate Cake and Thanksgiving Dinner. He also enjoyed reading various books during quiet times at home. The true treasures of Roy's life were his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 3, 2003. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Rev. William Weber. IN STATE: Mr. Lambert will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 9:00 a.m. Saturday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends 3 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday. CEMETERY: Roselawn Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas. With military honors and flag presentation with McConnell Aiir Force Base Honor Guard. MEMORIALS: The family suggest memorials to Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901, or Church of Donor`s Choice, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.