Dates
Leonard Lewis Lambert 84 of San Angelo passed away peacefully on Sunday September 15, 2019.
He was born November 10, 1934 in Nederland, Texas to Walter James Lambert and Velma (Foster) Lambert Steele and graduated from Nederland High Class of 1952.
During his time in high school our father excelled and lettered in several sports including Football, Basketball, Track and Baseball.
Leonard played running back under the legendary Bum Phillips. Even though he excelled in many sports his favorite was baseball where he lettered three years and received a scholarship to play in college. He spent two years at Sam Houston State before signing up for military service as many young men did during that time.
Leonard joined the United States Air Force in 1954. He would spend the next 21 years traveling all over the world retiring as a highly decorated veteran of the Vietnam war completing 162 missions earning many medals including the two bronze stars and a distinguished flying cross.
Our father trained and spent time in San Angelo during the 1950's and later came back to retire as an intelligence instructor in 1975.
Our father never spoke much about the military service until his later years always staying focused on his family and their wellbeing.
Dad went to work for GTE for the next 18 years before retiring and going into private business.
Dad was instrumental in developing the Northern Little League spending many nights and weekends working the grounds, fence, stands, painting, mowing, watering and coaching for years.
Dad married the love of his life Lorraine Gandera while stationed in San Antonio. Dad fell in love with the Hispanic culture, food, and music for the rest of his life watching his novelas every evening.
Our father dedicated his life to his three boys. Working two and three jobs to make sure we all had what we needed. He taught us values we live with today. Dad was a financial man, so we all learned how to manage finance and save for the future.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Laverna Lambert Lakey Sturmer
Our father is survived by his four children: Leonard Lewis Lambert II, Mark Anthony Lambert and wife Cris, Laurence Michael Lambert and wife Melinda, and Ernest Lambert.
Grandchildren: Erica Lambert-Bratina and husband Adam of San Antonio, Olivia Lambert of Dallas, Marisa, Megan and Madalynn Lambert of San Antonio, Michael, Meagan and Isla Castro of San Angelo; Niece, Nichole and husband Terry of Houston and nephew, Kerry Lakey.
Our father was a devoted catholic all of his life spending much of his free time making Rosaries at no cost for people. He was well known for his work and made many for several priests and friends over the years.
Later in life Dad enjoyed his trips and time he spent with longtime friend Felix and Mary Alice Salcido, Barney and all his Del Rio friends.
Special thanks to Janie Hernandez, Amanda Sandoval, and Lourdes Juarez for their help over the years.
He is with the Angels. Rest in Peace Dad.
Mass will be 9:30am Wednesday September 18, 2019 at St. Margaret’s of Scotland with burial to follow with military honors at Calvary Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.