Earl D. Lambert

Earl D. Lambert, 86, a lifelong resident of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, August 1, 2023, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana in Columbus, with family by his side.

He was born September 25, 1936, in Shelbyville, the son of James L. Lambert and Ruth Mae (Bausback) Smothers.

Being raised at the Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home in Knightstown from 1945 to 1955, was a wonderful time in Earl’s life. He was raised to respect others, offered a good education and made many friends. He met and married the love of his life, Charlene (Flint) Lambert, at The Home on June 8, 1957. 

He began his career at Diamond Chain Company in Indianapolis, as a time clerk.  Earl continued his education by obtaining an associates degree in accounting. He retired in 1996 from Diamond Chain Company, with 41 years of services, as the supervisor of cost accounting.  After retirement, he worked for 10 years for Freeman Family Funeral Homes.

Earl was a devoted and founding member of the Town and Country Christian Church since 1974. He played an intrical part in the construction of the church and served as treasurer, deacon and trustee for many years. 

He served in the Indiana National Guard from 1956 to 1962.

Earl had a great passion for softball.  He loved playing, coaching and cheering on his family.  Earl enjoyed playing with multiple leagues including the Silver Foxes traveling team. Earl received recognition at the Blue River Memorial Park for being the Co-Founder of the 35/43 and Over Senior League.

He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, going fishing and playing cards.  But, his greatest joy was spending time with his family.

Earl’s call to serve others led him to volunteer at Major Hospital for over 10 years at the main entrance.

Earl is survived by his children, Linda Bacon and husband, Mark, of Milroy, Vickie Tillison and husband, Roby, of Shelbyville, Tina Weko and husband, Tim, of Indianapolis, Rick Lambert and wife, Misty, of Manilla, and Cheryl Higdon and husband, Tatum, of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Marla, Marci, Kyle, Melissa, Allison, Sarah, Kaleb, Jakob, Kaitlynne, Ethan and Chloe; great-grandchildren, Ella, Mason, Mitchell, Cora, Lincoln, Tyson, Laine, Libby and one on the way, Vance; and sister, Mary Kay Bush of Shelbyville.

In addition to Charlene, who passed on October 10, 2014, Earl was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, James Lambert.

Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 6, 2023, at the Town and Country Christian Church, 2133 Tucker Road, Shelbyville.

Funeral services will follow at 5 p.m. Sunday, at the church, with Pastor Dennis Hirschauer officiating.

Interment will be at 10 a.m. Monday, August 7, 2023, at Forest Hill Cemetery, 705 Morris Avenue, in Shelbyville, with military rites by the local military committee.

Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Major Hospital Foundation, 2451 Intelliplex Drive, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.

Online condolences may be shared with Earl’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.