Howard H. Lambert

Howard H. Lambert

Howard H. Lambert, 88, of Anna, and formerly of Irvington, died Thursday, July 28, 2016, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born on Jan. 7, 1928, in Centralia, the son of Herbert and Ferne Todd Lambert.

He married Jo Ann Cohlmeyer on Sept. 21, 1952, in Piggott, Arkansas and she survives in Anna.

After high school, he served two years in the 1st Cavalry Division in the Army of Occupation in Japan.

Mr. Lambert graduated from Centralia High School and Junior College, received a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University, a master’s degree from the University of Illinois and took additional courses at Eastern Illinois University toward his doctorate.

In addition to his wife he is survived by one son, Gregory Scott and wife Angie, daughter Lisa Bigler and husband John of Anna, and daughter Diane Holt of Christopher; two brothers, Glenn and wife Evelyn of Wamac, and Larry and wife Sue of Robinson; grandchildren Beau Forbes and wife Jamie of Chicago, and J.J. Forbes of Royalton, Brittany West and husband Bryan of Cypress, Christopher Lambert, Madisyn, John David and Allisyn JoAnne Bigler of Anna; and great-grandchildren, Ronan Alexander Forbes and Kaylee Solita West.

He was preceded in death his parents, Herbert and Ferne Lambert; a brother, Kenneth Lambert and wife Alvera; and a sister, Donna Skambracks and husband Herman; sisters-in-law June, Thelma and Kathryn Cohlmeyer; brothers-in-law Stanley, Robert and Raymond Cohlmeyer; and a son-in-law, Rick Holt.

He enjoyed playing softball with the Lambert Wreckers, golf with friends and former students and dancing the night away.

Mr. Lambert was a retired teacher, coach and school superintendent. He started his teaching career at Red Stripe School, a one-room school south of Sandoval. He spent 10 years at Sandoval Elementary as a teacher and coach; six years at Grand Prairie School as teacher, coach and superintedent; 10 years at Woodlawn Elementary as superintendent; and 12 years at Willow Grove Elementary as superintendent.

He retired in 1990 as superintendent at Willow Grove School after 38 years of teaching. He retired from Warren G. Murray Developmental Center in 2004 after 13 years.

He was a member of the Moose and Elks lodges, the American Legion and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Per Mr. Lambert’s wishes, cremation rites were accorded and a memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 6, at 5 p.m. at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Visitation will be Saturday, Aug. 6, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Willow Grove Elementary School activity fund, or to the Elks or Moose Lodge in Centralia.

Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com.

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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