Joseph A. Lambing

Joseph Allen Lambing, 86, known affectionately to friends and family as Joe, passed away peacefully at his home in Bourbon, Missouri, on Sunday, March 16, 2025. Born on the Fourth of July in 1938 to his parents, Michael and Edna (Helms) Lambing, Joe's life was a testament to the values of hard work, dedication, and the importance of family.
Joe's early years were spent in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was born, but he grew up and attended school in Sullivan. He attended St. Anthony's Catholic School and was a proud graduate of Sullivan High School, class of 1956. It was in Sullivan that Joe would also embark on the greatest adventure of his life-marriage. On October 26, 1957, he married his soulmate, Sharon Reed, at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Their loving partnership was blessed with four daughters: Jean, Rhonda, Donna, and Dawn.
Joe's professional life was marked by a remarkable 35-year tenure as an aircraft mechanic with McDonnell-Douglas. His dedication to his craft was unwavering, and he remained with the company until his retirement in 1993. Joe and Sharon raised their family in House Springs before settling into their final home in Bourbon. Even in retirement, Joe continued to work, spending many years at the Sullivan Country Club, where his affable nature made him a favorite among members and colleagues alike.
A man of the community, Joe was an organizer and charter member of Meramec Valley Aerie #3781, established in 1977, and also served as its Past State President. Joe's passion for the Eagles was evident in his love for traveling to various Eagles-related conferences across the country, where he made many lasting friendships.
Joe's interests were as varied as they were joyful. In his younger years, he loved camping with his family, creating memories that would last a lifetime. His backyard was often the scene of lively "jam sessions" with friends and neighbors, filled with music and laughter. As time went on, Joe found pleasure in simpler things, like tending to his garden with his beloved tractor, a sight familiar to many in the community who benefited from his generosity.
Above all, Joe cherished time spent with his grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and pride. His friendly demeanor and penchant for jokes made him a beloved figure not just within his family, but throughout the community. Joe's legacy is one of love, laughter, and service, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Joe is survived by four daughters: Jean Gray and husband, Sam of Leasburg, MO, Rhonda Lawrence and husband, Rick of Bourbon, MO, Donna Mash and husband, Bill of Independence, MO, and Dawn Kreter and husband, Dean of Cuba, MO; 7 grandchildren: Mandy Bean and husband, Tom, Jerome Lawrence and wife, Cambria all of Bourbon, Ronni Nanney and husband, Chris of Steelville, MO, Megan Mash of Durham, NC, Kyle Mash and wife, Rachel of Lee's Summitt, MO, Alicia Williams and husband, Tyler of Vichy, MO and Ella Kreter of Cuba, MO; 19 great-grandchildren: Amber, Brittany, Tyler, Izaiha, McKenzie, Lilli, Jadon, Dacoda, Veda, Christopher, Alizabeth, Owen, Mason and Peyton, Maddy, Jackson, Joby, Lillianna, & Elijah; 9 great-great grandchildren: Frankie, Truitt, Raylynn, Kade, Haddie, Emerson, Atticus, Izekiel & Willow; 4 siblings: Richard Lambing of Sullivan, MO, Mickey Lambing and wife, Barb of Arizona, Mary Ann Whitecotton of House Springs, MO and Kay Beckett and husband, Larry of Walnut Shade, MO; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; a great grandson, Tristan Christopher; 3 brothers: Donald, Jerry and Vernon Lambing; a sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Lambing; and a brother-in-law, Jim Whitecotton.
Services will be 1:00 PM, Thursday, March 27, 2025 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, MO with Pastor John Blackmore officiating. Cremation will take place following the service. A private family inurnment will be held at I.O.O.F Cemetery at a later date.
Visitation will be 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Thursday prior to the service at the Eaton Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be given in Joe's memory to the American Parkinson Disease Association.
Friends may send online condolences to the Lambing family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Sullivan, MO.