Charles Lambert passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024, at age 98, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born March 5, 1926, to Stanley and Hattie Lambert in Valier, IL where he spent his childhood years. After high school graduation and one year of college, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 3, 1944. After basic training and before deployment to the South Pacific during World War II, he married Imogene Bradley, and they remained married until her death on February 18, 2018. He was honorably discharged on January 29, 1946, and returned to Christopher, IL.
Charles and Imogene had two sons, Alan Lambert (deceased 1992) and Brad (Kathy) Lambert of St. Charles, MO. Other survivors include grandsons Ryan (Kate) Cavanaugh of Grays Lake, IL, and Dylan (Autumn) Lambert of Lake St. Louis, MO. Great-grandchildren include Owen, Finn, Jack, and Vanessa. Charles loved education and chose teaching as his profession. He received both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial education from Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale. He continued teaching in both the Christopher and Zeigler-Royalton school districts until his retirement in 1987.
Charles loved the Lord and served as a deacon for many years at both the First Baptist Church of Christopher and later the Valier First Baptist Church. He enjoyed his final years residing at the Fifth Season Assisted Living Center in Benton, IL being with friends and his loving companion Erma Simmons. Visitation will be Saturday January 11, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Valier First Baptist Church.
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