Lambert, Donald M. Born November 13, 1923 in Arlington MA, passed away peacefully at his home in Vero Beach, Florida on February 6, 2016. Don grew up in Bloomfield, NJ and moved to Akron when he was 12. He won a scholarship to Middlesex School in Concord, MA and, following graduation, went on to study at Princeton University for two years until the war broke out. He enlisted in the army and served in the 100th Infantry Division for 2 years, earning a Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge and three Battle Stars. Despite the harsh conditions of war, Don always focused on the humorous side of his experience, regaling his family with war time stories that had them laughing no matter how many times they heard them. He returned to Akron where he joined his father at the E. P. Lambert Company, a natural rubber importing company that, under Don's leadership, grew to be the largest importer of natural rubber in the world. Don married Jean Thomas Lambert in 1945 and they raised three children together. Don was active in the Akron community where he lived for 55 years. He loved sports and was an avid golfer, tennis and ping pong player at Portage Country Club, St. Louis Country Club. and John's Island Club in Florida. Don's business required him to be a risk taker, so when a friend suggested that he fly to St. Louis for a weekend long blind date, he had a hunch and said sure! The rest is a beautiful love story between Don and DeDe. In short order, he retired from his business and moved to St. Louis where he embraced his new home and family. A lifetime music lover, he sang in church choirs, glee clubs, barbershop quartets and most recently in the John's Island Club musical review. Don was incredibly generous, and liked to support the places that meant the most to him. He donated organs to two churches, a chapel to Middlesex School and a research laboratory at the University of Arkansas where DeDe was getting treatment for Multiple Myeloma. Don was preceded in death by his son Bill, and is survived by his loving wife DeDe DeWitt Lambert, and by his children and step children Tom Lambert (Grand Junction, Co), Nancy Lambert Reymann (Akron, OH), Bob Perkins, Peter Perkins, and Middy Perkins (Don's second daughter) of St. Louis, Bill Perkins (Atlanta), and Jeff Perkins (Boise). He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Adam, Blake, Clement, William, George, Lambert and Campbell. Don's family wants to thank and pay a special tribute to Nella, his caregiver for the past several years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, 9370 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63182, Ladue Chapel, 9450 Clayton Rd. St. Louis, MO 63124 or the Visiting Nurse Association, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960. Services: A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 20th at 11:30 a.m. at Community Church of Vero Beach. Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com

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Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Feb. 14, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Lambert

8 Entries

Holly Gulick

February 29, 2016

My condolences to the family of Don Lambert. My father, Fred Hermann, played tennis with Don in St. Louis and thought highly of him.

Paula Girtman (REJIS)

February 19, 2016

Bob & Family,
I am sorry to learn of the passing of Don. My sincerest condolences for you and your family during this difficult time.

Sandra Moore

February 16, 2016

Don Lambert was one of the classiest people anyone could have known. I worked for him for 31 years and he created a work place that felt like family while being totally professional. It was an honor to work for him and know him. My sympathies and prayers to DeDe and the entire family.

Jerry Apel

February 16, 2016

I was employed at E P Lambert Co for over 16 years . Don was the very greatest employer that anyone could ever have. I used his business and personal model as an example for my business and myself. I only wish everyone could have the privilege to work for such a fine person.

Mark Bussy

February 16, 2016

Don Lambert was on outward-looking personality whose curiosity about the people and phenomena he encountered broadened the minds and hearts on both ends of any of his personal transactions. I'm not referring to business, but it was also true that he eased my transition from administrative flunky to marketing with the clarity of his language and with the patience to engender understanding despite a rookie's slender experience. We are better for having known this man and to have walked life's pathway with him, however briefly.

Dennis Murph

February 15, 2016

Don was a long time friend and mentor from days at the YMCA and numerous golf outings. We always enjoyed hearing about his travels. He was very kind and always a gentleman. He loved the English language. I remember him once using the word abstemious.

David Fedorka

February 14, 2016

I was a former employee of Mr. Lambert and can attest to his generosity, fun loving nature, patience and incredible drive to succeed. I was humbled by Don more than once on the golf course, despite being 33 years younger. I was extremely fortunate to have known and worked for Don as he was an amazing mentor and a positive role model and his passing is a huge loss for us all. My prayers go out to the family in this time of sorrow, but knowing also the joy that Don is at peace and is in the care of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Don maybe physically removed from our lives, but his passion for life and everything that he embodied stays with us, which is his gift to us all.

Lora Schweikert

February 14, 2016

My first office job after high school was at E.P. Lambert Co. Mr Lambert was always very nice and most of all, very patient with this young person who was now his secretary. My condolences to his family.

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