Funeral services for Donnie Gene Lambert, 71, of Noble, formerly of Purcell, were held Monday, November 4, 2019 at the Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel. Interment was at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell under the direction of the Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell.
Mr. Lambert passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at Norman Regional Hospital.
Donnie was born June 18, 1948 in Purcell, Oklahoma. He was the older of seven children. His parents were Wesley Dewitt Lambert and Verta Nadine (Mayo) Lambert. Donnie grew up in the Purcell area and graduated from Purcell High School with the class of 1967. After high school he joined the U. S. Army and proudly served two tours of duty, one in Vietnam and another he was stationed in Germany.
While in the service Donnie married Diana Kay Burgett and together they had three children, Diana, Tony and Denise. Years later he married again, marrying Sallie Marie Ragsdell and together they raised two children, Donnie and Jimmy.
After 6 -1/2 years in the Army, Donnie was honorably discharged and he returned home to Oklahoma and began a lifelong career working for the railroad. He first started out with the Santa Fe Railroad who later became the (BNSF) Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. While working for the railroad he lived in Purcell, Lexington, Lawton, San Angelo, Texas, and lastly living in Wisconsin, where he retired.
Nearly 10 years ago Donnie moved back to Noble, Oklahoma, to be close to his children and grandchildren. Oklahoma was the place he called home.
Throughout his life, Donnie enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He also enjoyed fishing, shooting sports and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, De and Verta Lambert; daughter, Diana Bennett and brother, Timmy Williams.
He is survived by four children, Tony Bennett and wife, Christie, of Norman, Donnie Williams and wife, Angela, of Newcastle, Jimmy Williams of Topeka, Kansas, and Denise Shahan and husband, Daniel, of Norman; five siblings, Arlen Williams and wife, Marsha, of Paoli, Mike Williams and wife, Ann, of Purcell, Wesley Lambert of Purcell, Judy Green and husband, Vance, of Purcell and Dana Courtney and husband, David, of Paoli; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; many nieces, nephews and cousins; several aunts and uncles and a host of friends.
Online condolences may be made at wilsonlittle.com.
