John Wilmer Lambert

LAMBERT John Wilmer Lambert born September 11, 1918 to William and Ina Lambert. He went to meet his Lord on October 14, 2012 after serving Him all of his life. His focus on getting to Heaven had an impact on every life he touched. J.W. (as he was lovingly called) was a born leader. As a minister he was responsible for the building of new church buildings, increasing the membership of the churches, and spreading the vision of the Nazarene Church. Later he became the District Superintendent for the North Dakota, Upper New York and Central Ohio Districts. His energetic style and persistence raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the churches on the various Districts. He was well thought of and respected by his peers. His care and guidance affected all those who served under him. He truly loved what he did as a minister and a District Superintendent and gave everything he had to further the Church and his belief in God. He had a deep heart for church missions and organized and participated in over 20 mission trips around the world. He also established a center to train ministers in Mexico. He made many life-long friends who appreciated the qualities that made him the man he was. They will not forget him and will miss him every day. J.W. loved life to the fullest. His many interests included hunting and fishing. Later in life he learned to paint and became a fine artist. His paintings hang in many homes of his family and friends. He graduated from Bethany Nazarene College and later married Evaleen (Gibson) who was his strongest supporter and soulmate for 71 years. She entered the gates of Heaven in January of this year. He is survived by two daughters, Janet Hyde (and Don Stalenger) and Melinda Raisch (and Mark Raisch); and two grandchildren, Landon Raisch and Layne Raisch. He loved his family with his whole heart and spent every moment he could with his grandchildren. He was their grandfather ("Paps"), mentor and coach and they will miss him greatly. His daughters are forever grateful for the love and support they received from their father. He was generous with his heart, his time and delighted in giving them beautiful jewelry. He will live on through them. He was preceded in death by his sister Esther Lewis, and his twin brother Willis James Lambert. He will always be remembered for his smile, his strength and his unshakeable faith. He definitely left his mark on this world, and it is a better place because of him. May he rest in peace in the hands of God. Family will receive friends Friday, October 19, 2012 from 4:30-7 p.m. with a memorial service at 7 p.m. at Northwest Church of Nazarene, 5705 Olentangy-River Rd., Columbus, OH 43235. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: HomeReach Hospice/Ohio Health Foundation, 180 E. Broad, Columbus, OH 43215. Arrangements were completed by the WELLMAN FUNERAL HOME, Circleville.