United States Army Retired Major John D. Lambert, Jr, age 80, of Palmyra, IN, formerly of Brandenburg, KY, and Harlan, KY, passed into Glory on Thursday, April 18, 2024, in Louisville, KY, after a brief illness. Born on May 19, 1943, in Kitts (Harlan County) KY, to John D. and Margaret Loretta Herman Lambert, Johnny, the oldest of four children, and his siblings grew up in Loyall. Johnny was 12 years old when he felt the call of the Holy Spirit in his young heart. He and his father were baptized together on the same evening.  He dropped out of high school during his sophomore year and began working construction with his father. Soon after, military life beckoned. On November 30, 1960, with the consent of his parents, since he was only seventeen, he enlisted with the United States Army.

While attending a service at the Baxter Baptist Church where his father was pastoring, John met Mary Ruth Johnson.  A few years later, on June 11, 1963, at the age of 20, John took Mary Ruth as his bride in a small ceremony in Tacoma WA, where he was stationed. He and Mary Ruth were married for 59 beautiful years.

John made a career in the military. Having a passion for guns, it was not surprising for him to be involved in an array of Field Artillery positions. He worked his way up through the ranks, being commissioned as an officer, and served his nation in combat operations during two tours of duty in the Vietnam War.  He was a natural born leader and received promotions ahead of his peers throughout his distinguished career, retiring with the rank of Major. He was a Service School Instructor (Gunnery Branch), Team Combat Director (Vietnam), Unit Commander (Vietnam), Branch Chief Instructor of Weapons Surety Program (a highly sensitive program), Deputy Director, Logistics (Germany), JROTC Liaison Officer (Fort Knox, KY).    He was a four-time recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, received the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Air Medal, as well as several other awards. During his 21 years on active duty, he was stationed in Bad Tolz Germany, Ft. Sill, OK, Panama, Ft. Hood, TX, Oberammergau and Vilseck, Germany, and Ft. Knox, KY.   He was also a Logistics Contractor in Pasadena, CA. During his time in the military, he earned his GED as well as a college degree in business from the Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts (OCLA) in Chickasha, OK.

After retiring from the Army in 1981, at the ripe age of 37, John began employment at the U.S. Cavalry Store in Radcliff, KY, then moved to Ft. Knox where he trained defense personnel in the use of Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement Systems (MILES), TES Training, and was a member of the NETT.   John and Mary also owned a fabric store where they did furniture upholstery and sewing machine repairs. Later, John took a teaching position at Male High School in Louisville KY, where he trained future military recruits in the JROTC program, as well as teaching health and geography for twelve years.  John was awarded the Loyall High School Alumni of the Year for Lifetime Achievement. "Not too bad for a kid from Loyall" John said about himself.  John and Mary Ruth moved to Southern Indiana to be closer to their grandchildren, where they became actively involved in Palmyra Baptist Church.  John was a very outgoing man, easy to talk to, and never met a stranger. He enjoyed most outdoors activities, especially fishing, hunting, gardening, and tending to his chickens and cows.  He was an incredible chef and always enjoyed cooking for his family.

John's big personality and his sweet smile will truly be missed by those who knew and loved him. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but what a glorious reunion he must be having with those who preceded him in death, including his wife Mary Ruth, his parents, John D. and Margaret, his sister Sandy and her husband Harold Lee Howard, and a sweet grandson, Benjamin Lambert, among others.

Those left to cherish John's memory are his three children: daughter Mary Margaret (Peggy) McGehee and husband John H., IV of Greenville, IN; John D. (Jody) Lambert, III of Louisville, KY; Brian Ray Lambert and wife Mary Beth, of Moore, SC;  grandchildren: John, Jordan (Peyton), and  Kaylyn McGehee; Aaron, Danny (Tania), Julia, Mary Ann, Simon, Graham, Cameron, and  Isaiah Lambert;  great-grandsons: Leighton and Josiah Lambert; his favorite brother and favorite sister-in-law: James L. and Gail Lambert, of Baxter KY; sister, Susan Lambert of Corydon, IN; Brenda Lambert; a host of nieces, nephews, and extended relatives, as well as many dear friends.

Visitation for John will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Harlan Funeral Home, Harlan, KY, from 2:00-4:00 pm. Funeral services will commence at 4:00 officiated by Reverend David Overbay.  Burial will follow after a graveside service at Resthaven Cemetery in Keith, KY, with family members serving as pallbearers. Military honors will be presented by the Harlan Honor Guard.

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. John D. Lambert, Jr.