William Pierre "Bill" Lambert

William Pierre “Bill” Lambert, 90, was called home by his Lord and Savior on November 3, 2025. His wife of 67 years, Barbara, was by his side.

The second child of Amzel G. Lambert and Roland L. Lambert, he was born on January 7, 1935, in Indianapolis, IN.  Bill graduated from Lawrence Central High School in 1953, where he lettered in Basketball (Captain), Cross Country (Captain), Track, and Golf; and he participated in Future Business Leaders of America, Boys’ State and Hi-Y (Advisory Board Chairman).

Indiana University is where Bill obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business and participated in the ROTC military program. He was a member of Theta Xi Fraternity and served as President during his Senior year. This is a brotherhood which he proudly shared with his older brother, Tom (Indiana University) and his grandson, Weston Williams (University of Alabama).  Bill met his future wife, Barbara Bassett, in a shared business class while earning his degree. He invited her to the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race with his family. During the race, there was a crash in front of their seats, Barb was hit on her forehead with a flying chunk of rubber from a tire and received several stitches at the infield hospital. Bill felt heartsick and said he would take her right home so she could rest, and she replied, “Oh no, I’m staying for the race!” ...he was smitten!  Following graduation in 1957, Bill was hired directly by Kaiser Aluminum and relocated to Chicago, IL where he started a successful career in Sales.

In 1958, Bill was called to duty in the United States Air Force, but not before he and Barb were wed in March of that year.  The newlyweds resided in Riverside, CA during Bill’s service to our Country.  After his Honorable Discharge, he and Barb returned to Kokomo, IN, where he partnered with his father-in-law and mentor, Weston H. Bassett, in the family business, Star Building Supply.  Bill and Barb raised their daughters within the Kokomo community and continue to call it their home.  Summers were highlighted by spending family time on Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, IN.

Bill’s involvement and patronage included: Indiana University, Indiana University - Kokomo, Ivy Tech - Kokomo, First National Bank of Kokomo and later BMO Harris Bank, Kokomo Family YMCA, Kokomo County Club, Rotary Club, The Elks Club, Homebuilders Association, Grace United Methodist Church, Kokomo Great Banquet, Kairos Prison Ministry, Kokomo Rescue Mission, Kokomo Men’s Huddle Bible Study, and Bible Study Fellowship International; as well as Lake Maxinkuckee Association, Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Fund, Maxinkuckee Country Club and Maxinkuckee Yacht Club.

Bill enjoyed playing tennis and golf as well as watching a variety of sports where athletes compete at their highest levels, be it high school, college or professional.  He was an avid “Brickyard” fan and never missed the Indianapolis 500!  He was a great dancer and favored big band music and that of Frank Sinatra.  He cherished his family, friends, and community, but above all, his faith in Jesus Christ remains his enduring legacy.

Along with his wife, Barbara Bassett Lambert, he is survived by his daughter, Katharyn Lambert Williams (Daniel); grandson Weston Daniel Williams; and numerous in-laws and nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Roland Lambert; mother, Amzel Lambert; daughter, Barbara (Teri) Lambert; brother, Thomas Lambert; sister, Jaqueline Lambert Greene; and grandchildren, Peter and Elizabeth Williams

In memory of Bill, tell someone special that you love them and be generous and extra kind to someone in need.  If you know Jesus, live your faith out loud; and if you don’t…get to know Him!   Memorial contributions may be sent to Kokomo YMCA (Development Office, 114 N Union St, Kokomo, IN 46901) or Kokomo Great Banquet (c/o First EPC, 200 W Jefferson St, Kokomo, IN 46901)

The family would like to thank all of Bill’s caregivers and Paradigm Hospice and their outstanding team for the extraordinary, compassionate care Bill received.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 pm to 6 pm, Wednesday November 19, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. A private graveside service and celebration of his life will take place in Culver, IN.  Messages of condolences may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.