William D. Lambert

William ""Bill"" D. Lambert passed away on December 22, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. He was born May 27, 1933 in McCook, Red Willow County, NE as the second son of Irvin Wayne and Francis (Rowland) Lambert. Bill grew up in McCook attending school and graduating from McCook High School in 1951. He attended and graduated from McCook Jr. College in 1953 with an AA degree in Agriculture. In 1953 he volunteered for a three year commitment to the U.S. Army and reported to Omaha, NE. From there he completed his basic training in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, graduating from Surveying School. He was assigned duties in the Mariana Islands, Philippines, Korea and Japan. Following his time in the service he attended Kearney State Teacher's College where he received a BA degree in Industrial Arts in 1959 and a Master's in 1965. His interest in sports allowed him to play football at McCook High School and Jr. College where he played on the 1958 KSTC Championship Team. While attending college he met Jean Marie Frates and later proposed to her on the 50 yard line during their 1957 Homecoming. They were married on August 3, 1958 in Brule, NE. After graduation they moved to Brady, NE where they both taught school and Bill coached the high school football team. In 1962 they moved to Conifer, CO where he taught Technical Arts at West Jefferson Jr. High School until his retirement in 1992. During his teaching career he coached football and basketball; however his passion was coaching track and field where he produced many successful teams. Throughout his life he fondly enjoyed visits from former students during his retirement years. His passionate hobby was wood turning and he spent hours upon hours at the wood lathe. He produced many beautiful lamps, bowls and vases from native aspen wood. He was especially known for the thousands of Christmas Snowmen he produced and sent all over the world. Bill was involved with Boy Scout Troop 400 at Conifer Community Church for as long as his sons were involved. The pride he carried was that both of his sons received their Eagle Scout Award. Spending time with the troop and camping at various sites including sleeping in a snow bank as the boys received their Polar Bear Award was indeed a happy occasion for him. He was so proud of his daughter Jennifer as she continued in the family teaching tradition. Bill was involved with his church for many years serving as a deacon, building committee and donated many hours with hammer and nail as additions went up. He loved hunting, camping, fishing and stamp collecting but his greatest love was spending time with family and friends and following his beloved Nebraska Cornhusker football team. He is survived by wife Jean of Conifer; children Alan (Patty) of Rifle, CO., Jon of Conifer, Jennifer (Michael) Blackwell; granddaughters Grace and Ellie Blackwell of Littleton, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents I.W. Lambert (Clara Rowland) and brother Gary. Services are on Saturday, December 28 at 10:00 AM at Conifer Community Church, 9998 Havekost Rd, Conifer, CO 80433. Interment will take place later in Brule, Nebraska. Please share memories of William and condolences with his family by signing the online guestbook below.