Leonard John “Jack” Lambert Jr., 84, died Dec. 31, 2024. He was born November 25th, 1940, to Leonard John Lambert and Mary Ionia (Rudiger) Lambert in Salina, KS.
Jack graduated from Salina High School in 1958. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1960 serving an active status in California, and then in Berlin, Germany until 1963. Jack enjoyed his time in the Army as an Airborne Army soldier. He was part of the 101st Airborne and the 7th Calvary Divisions during his time in the Army. Jack loved to jump out of airplanes. Once he was out of airborne school, he was tapped to be a writer for Star & Stripes of the US Army and was sent to Berlin as a writer. In 1963 he was given an Honorable Discharge and went back to work on his education and career as an Engineer. Jack graduated from Kansas Wesleyan University in 1968 with a double major in Business Administration and Economics. Jack attended many hours of Kansas Continuing Education in Data Processing, Inventory Production, and Engineering Controls with Manufacturing and Shop Floor Management.
Jack enjoyed a 34-year career with Premier Pneumatics Inc. and retired in 2002. Jack also spent 20 years working part-time for Water’s Hardware store and retired fully in 2016. The highlight of his retirement was working part-time in the summers as a tram driver at Rolling Hills Zoo in west Saline County.
Jack married Sally (deceased) in 1965 and then married Paula (Wygal) Lambert on May 12th, 1989. Jack often stated that Paula was his Gift from God. He loved her immensely. He also loved his children, Jim (deceased), Melissa Livengood (Topeka, KS) and David (Kristina) Litchman. His pride and joy though, are his grandchildren, Madison Livengood, Chase (Rosa) Livengood, and Elliot Litchman, all of Salina.
Jack was a member and past president of the Salina AMBUCS Breakfast Bandits chapter, a supporter and member of Big Brother Big Sisters of Salina, serving as a “Big”, a board member, and Vice-President. Jack also served 35 years as a volunteer for Boy Scouts of America Coronado Area Council as a Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Cub & Webelo Leader and mentor for new troops brought into the council. Scouting was a dream job for Jack. He loved the kids that came in and watched them grow to young men, and many of his scouts earned their EAGLE scout award. He helped mentor 28 young men to their EAGLE award. He always thought it was a privilege to help the scouts plan their camps and their itineraries to Sommers Canoe Base in Minnesota and Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimmaron, New Mexico.
Jack’s labor of love wasn’t done yet. He participated in the founding of All Saints Orthodox Church in Salina, KS in 1994. As an active member of the church, he was active as an ordained reader, chanter, alter server and all around “Jack” of all trades. He made many fixes to the building that often went unnoticed by other members as he didn’t want to worry them.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Jack was a great husband, father, grandfather and mentor to many people, and whether he knew it or not, he was well loved by those people. His great loves were his family, outdoors and his train collection!
Jack is survived by his wife, Paula, of the home. His daughter, Melissa Livengood, of Topeka, KS., His son, David (Kristina) Litchman, grandchildren Madison Livengood, Chase (Rosa) Livengood, and Elliot Litchman, and his sisters, Mary Linn & Phillys Rosendahl.
Trisagion services will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday evening, January 10, 2025 at All Saints Orthodox Church, 2818 Scanlan Avenue, Salina. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 am on Saturday, Jan. 11, also at All Saints Orthodox Church, The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield presiding. Burial rites will follow in the Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to All Saints Orthodox Church, Rolling Hills Zoo, or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina.
For more information or to leave condolences please visit www.ryanmortuary.com