John Evan "Jack" Lambkin

EMPIRE — John "Jack" Evan Lambkin, 84, of Empire, passed away Sunday, July 15, 2007, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. He was born Jan. 19, 1923 in Empire, the son of John Edwin and Margaret "Maude" Sophia (Johnson) Lambkin. Jack was a Veteran of World War II, serving in the US Army Air Corps and was a member of the Cherryland VFW Post in Traverse City. Jack was also a member of the Empire United Methodist Church, the Empire Masonic Lodge, a charter member and past president of the Empire Lions Club, a member of the D.O.M.C. in Empire and the Traverse City Saladin Shrine.

Jack owned and operated Jack's Barber Shop in Empire, as well working as a barber at the Empire Air Force Base.

In his spare time, Jack enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, playing golf and doing winter activities, especially snowmobiling. Most of all, Jack loved spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren.

On June 10, 1950, in Empire, Jack married Ruth Jean Kelderhouse, who survives him. He is also survived by three children, John C. (Robin) Lambkin of Grand Rapids, Roxane Gillen of Empire, and Susan (Trevor) McDermont of Grand Rapids; six grandchildren, Margaret Gillen, Natalie McDermont, Cameron McDermont, David Gillen Jr., Kirsten (Chaz) Blackwell, and Annie (Colin Cox) Burritt; and one great-grandson, Elijah Ward Blackwell.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Eva Lewis; and one granddaughter, Rachel Koch Lambkin.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 19 at the Empire United Methodist Church, with Pastor Brenda Gordon officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, or to the Empire Fire and Rescue Department.

The Bennett-Barz Funeral Home in Beulah is in charge of arrangements; www.bennett-barzfuneralhome.com.

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.