Howard Eugene Lamer, age 85, of Salina, KS passed away Friday, January 31, 2025, after a long battle with dementia.
Howard was born in Salina, KS on February 12, 1939, to John and Aileen “Billie” Lamer. At the young age of 7, he started working at his father’s grocery store, Lamer’s Market, located at 709 E North St. Later, the store relocated to 145 N Phillips and Howard took over ownership when his father retired. Lamer’s Market was well known for their charge accounts and grocery delivery and was something that Howard had the utmost pride and joy in, making sure none of his customers ever went hungry. Customers to this day will share fond memories and funny stories they have of Howard and the store. Howard was known for his generosity and giving his customers many different nicknames throughout the years.
While working, Howard met Judy while she was shopping at the store. He offered to cook her dinner that night and the rest is history. Howard and Judy were married on October 7, 1973. During the 1970s, Howard also served as a Deputy for the Saline County Reserve Program. He and Judy continued working together at the store along with their five children until they retired and sold the store in 2002. Lamer’s Market was eventually turned into a house on Phillips St. During retirement, Howard and Judy bought a camper and sold roasted nuts at malls across the Midwest for about 7 years. They enjoyed their travels and meeting new people during that time.
Howard will be remembered for being goofy, cheating during intense games of Spoons at family gatherings, not knowing a stranger, having a pristine yard, instilling a strong work ethic in his children, making sure his loved ones had plenty of flashlights in case of an emergency, and doing anything he could to help those in need. He touched many people’s lives and left behind a true legacy.
Howard is preceded in death by his parents, John, and Aileen “Billie” Lamer; two sisters, Norma Gerry, and Daisy “Darlene” Burke; one brother, John Lamer, who died at birth; and daughter in law, Lori Lamer.
Howard is survived and missed by his loving wife, Judy Lamer, of 51 years; his two beloved dogs, Scarlett and Joey; his children Brad Lamer (Cindy), Brenda Buckley (Francis), Brian Lamer, Renee Nelson, and Toni Taggart (Scott); his eight grandchildren, Tami Keller (Kevin), Brett Lamer (Mallory), Melanie Perez (Chad), Jenny Buckley (fiancé Alex), Kelsi Unruh (Jarek), Casey Prester (Zach), Annie Stein (Cole), and Cooper Taggart; his twelve great grandchildren, Trever and Tysen Keller, Kirstin Adams (Collin) and Trenton Keller, Brecken and Britton Lamer, Mitchell and Reid Perez, Iylah and Wrenlee Unruh, and Baker and Beau Prester; and his one great great granddaughter, Bellemy Adams.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St in Salina, KS, 67401.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Salina Emergency Aid/Food Bank, The Salina Rescue Mission, or Journey Ventures to help those in need.