Dale Richard Lambert
"Dick" "Walkers"

Died peacefully on May 18, 2004 at Rosewood Care Center following a valiant battle with cancer. He was 75.

Born March 11, 1929 in Joliet, Illinois, Dick Lambert was raised in DuPage Township (Will County); he was a lifelong resident of the Plainfield area.

He is survived by his children, Lt. Col (Ret.) David (Elizabeth) of Waukegan, Steve (Diane) of Sturgis, Kentucky, Randy of Plainfield, and twins, Michelle of Phoenix, Arizona and Michael of Plainfield; and eight grandchildren, Melissa and Kathryn Lambert, David and Heather Lambert, and Adam, PFC Anthony (USMC), Aaron and Austin Lavazza. Also surviving are his loving friend, JoAnn Chobar of Plainfield as well as her children, Deborah, Rick and Darla; and her nine grandchildren. Additional survivors are his morning coffee buddies; the mother of his children, Mary Alice Lambert; and Robert L. Navarro, Jr. all of Plainfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Myrtle (Patterson) Lambert and an infant daughter, Debra Lyn.

Dick was the last surviving member of the Class of 1943 at Higgins School, a one-room schoolhouse in DuPage Township. He graduated from Plainfield High School, Class of 1947. He farmed from youth until 1970. He worked briefly for the Plainfield Box Factory and Bryant Buildings. An accomplished, self-taught carpenter, he built his family's first home and always enjoyed remodeling. He was a charter member of the Plainfield Historical Society as well as Plymouth Congregational Church in Plainfield where he served on numerous boards and committees when the congregation was in its infancy. For many years, he helped organize the Illinois Congregational Youth Fellowship summer camps.

In 1970, Dick and his family devoted their time to the operation of Lambert Airfield, and he pursued his life-long interests in aviation. He was a member of the Flying Farmers organization. He will be remembered by many for maintaining a B-25 Bomber and other vintage aircraft on the family farm and airstrip along Weber Road.

Between 1977 and 1982, he renovated five historic buildings in downtown Plainfield and co-created "The Meeting Place". When he retired in 1994, he was employed as a scale operator by the Avery Gravel Company of Plainfield. He had also worked for Plainfield Auto Parts and Taylor Auto Supply.

Dick loved to recall "the old days" and share memories of his life in the Plainfield area with family, friends and--especially--his morning coffee bunch. He enjoyed the simple things in life; watching old movies and television shows; driving down a country road; talking about the weather; and spending time with the children which surrounded him in recent years.

Throughout his illness, Dick maintained a positive attitude and shared a smile with everyone. His friendly disposition will be greatly missed.

His loved ones will receive friends from 2 until 8 PM on Thursday, May 20, 2004 at Overman-Jones Funeral Home, 309 Joliet Road (corner of Rts. 30 & 59), Plainfield.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, May 21, 2004 with Reverend Gary L. McCann officiating. Interment Plainfield Township Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Dick Lambert;s memory to the Plainfield Historical Society.

OVERMAN-JONES FUNERAL HOME, Corner Rts. 59 & 30, Plainfield 815-436-9221