Raymond "Dale" Lambert

Raymond "Dale" Lambert, passed away peacefully Saturday, February15, 2020 at St Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. He was born on August 19,1927 to Newell and Mildred (Baker) Lambert on their farm two miles north and one mile west of Thornburg, Kansas. Dale was the third of six children. His siblings were Dwayne, Velda, Joe, Elsie Mae, and Sharon. Dale was proud of his Thornburg heritage and it was there that many of his life lessons were learned. His parents instilled a strong work ethic, the importance of family and a love for the Lord. He attended Pleasant Hill and Thornburg schools. He was raised and baptized in the Thornburg Evangelical United Brethren Church that his great grand-parents had helped form.

He graduated from Smith Center High School in 1946. That same year he was employed by Fred Simmons who was part owner of Simmons-Olliff Furniture and Mortuary. This was the beginning of a 45 year career in a business of which he would eventually be the major share-holder. As a mentor, Fred was a major influence in Dale’s life by setting an example of professionalism in running a business and setting a standard of treating people with dignity and respect and of giving back to the community. Dale graduated from The St. Louis School of Mortuary Science in 1950.

While in high school Dale met Kay Duvall. They were married December 24,1949 and they were the parents of three children, Kent, Kinda, and Kris.

The family moved to Kensington, Kansas in 1957 where Dale managed the Simmons-Olliff furniture store and mortuary. He became a partner in the business in 1959. They spent 27 years in Kensington, serving a wonderful community and forming life-long friendships.

Dale and Kay moved back to Smith Center in 1984 where they managed the funeral Home and furniture store until Dale retired in 1992.

After retirement Dale and Kay liked to travel and continued to be involved in the Smith Center community attending school and church activities. They found great joy in their grandchildren, Chris and Amy. Many hours were spent traveling to and from Salina to watch church and school programs, and sports. They were “Grandad and Grandma” to many of their grandkids friends.

Kay passed away from cancer on March 12,1996. Dale lost his wife and partner of 46 years. They had worked together to build a strong and loving marriage, to raise their children, and to grow a successful business.

Dale moved to Wichita when he married Norma Tomlinson Stoddard on August 9, 1997. Norma, her daughters, Sharon, Sandra, and Stephanie, and their families brought many blessings to Dale’s life. They enjoyed traveling and keeping up with all their grand-kids and great-grand-kids activities. They welcomed and brought both their families together for Thanksgiving Dinner for many years.

Dale was a sports fan all his life and was a fierce competitor. He played baseball on various local teams and football in high school. He was an excellent bowler and won the Kansas State Seniors Championship in 1989.

He coached his son’s baseball team and announced the football games for Kensington Goldbugs for many years. He loved watching his favorite teams; The Royals, The Chiefs, and KU basketball. He was passionate about golf and was always trying to improve his game. He played almost every day, when weather permitted, at the Hesston Golf course.

Throughout his life Dale was active in several organizations. He was the President of the Chamber of Commerce of Smith Center, the Commercial Club of Kensington, and the Kensington Lion’s Club. He was also on the Board of Directors for Lion’s Club. He served on the City Council in Kensington and also served as their mayor. He was the Chairman of the Board for the Methodist Church in Kensington and in Smith Center. He was on the Kensington School Board. And He also served on the Kansas State Board of Funeral Directors.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; wife Kay (Duvall) Lambert; brothers, Dwayne Lambert and Joe Lambert, sisters; Velda Schenk and Sharon Lambert; brothers-in-law, Lynn Schenk, David Miller, Ralph Tucker, Harley Keller, Paul Smith, and Johnny Hooper; sisters-in-law, Melberta Lambert, Beverly Lambert, and June Miller.

Dale will be missed by his wife of 22 years, Norma; children, Kent (Pat), Kinda Lambert, Kristin Lambert, Sharon(Lee)Stucky, Sandra (Randy) Appel, and Stephanie Miller; sister, Elsie Mae (Marvin) Kugler; brother-law, Thaine (Donna)Tomlinson; sisters-in-law, Nadine Tucker, Elaine Keller, and Reva Smith; 9 grandchildren,15 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services: 11am, Wednesday, February 19, 2020 with visitation one hour prior at Riverlawn Christian Church, 4243 N. Meridian Ave., Wichita, KS 67204 and 1:30pm Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Simmons-Rentchler Mortuary, 116 W. 1^st St., Smith Center, KS 66967. Interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Smith Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hesston Golf Course, 520 Yost Dr. Hesston, Ks. 67062, Riverlawn Christian Church, United Methodist Church of Smith Center, 301 E Kansas Ave., Smith Center, Ks. 66967 or Thornburg Church,15092 50^th Rd., Smith Center, Ks. 66967.

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