John C. "Jack" Lamb

John “Jack” Lamb, 102, died June 12, 2023, at his home in Nickerson. He was born July 19, 1920, in El Dorado, to Ray and Mary (Blankenship) Lamb, and was raised in Leon. Shortly after graduating from Leon High School, dad went to work for Boeing where he learned the art of sheet metal. It was then that WW II was starting, so dad enlisted in the Army Air Corp where he spent four years serving in the European Theatre. Upon returning home from WW II, dad went to work for Arnall Construction in El Dorado, where he met and married the owner’s daughter, Jo-Ann. Dad and Mom were married in El Dorado, on December 21, 1947, with death being the only thing that separated them. Using the money from his GI benefits, they moved to Ohio, where he attended the School for Mortuary Science. After graduating, they returned to El Dorado to work for Dietz Funeral Home. In 1950, dad and mom became residents of Nickerson, where they remained until their death. They came to Nickerson to work for Pearce Funeral Home. After working several years for the Pearce family, they decided to start their own funeral home, which was located across from the high school. In the early 60’s they were able to buy the Pearce Funeral Home and consolidated both funeral homes. In 1975, dad began working as the Inspector for the State Board of Embalming, while mom ran the funeral home. Dad’s job required travel during the week, but also allowed dad and mom to do more of their own traveling and other activities they enjoyed. Dad semi-retired from the funeral business and Board of Embalming in 1985, and permanently closed the funeral home in 1996. From the time they moved to Nickerson, dad and mom were active members of the community. They were members of the former First Christian Church in Nickerson for more than 45 years, where dad served as elder and Chairman of the Board. In 1994 they transferred their membership to the Midland United Church of Christ. With dad’s retirement in 1985, dad and mom spent many years traveling in their RV, including winters in Deming, NM, and summers in South Fork, Colorado. The summers were very special to them, as they spent time at the family cabin with his sister, Helen, and brother, Bob. In addition to traveling, Dad loved gardening, woodworking, and after retiring he learned to oil paint, making sure each of his kids received one of his works of art. Dad and mom were married 67 years, before mom died in 2012. Dad was one of eight children, and is survived by his only sister, Helen of Benton. His surviving children are Karen Lovelock, Nickerson; Chris, Nickerson; Karie (Rick) Orem, Hutchinson; Karyl (Bobby) White, Nickerson; and Daryl, Nickerson; 13 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. His parents and mom preceded him in death, as well as his brothers, Lawrence, Robert (Bob), Lee, Don, and two infant siblings. Also, preceding dad in death were two sons, John “Chuck” Lamb and Chip, a daughter Karla McAllister, and an infant great-great grandson, Tony McAllister. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, June 16, 2023, at the Community Building in Nickerson. A private graveside, with military honors, will be held at Wildmead Cemetery, prior to the memorial service. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to the Midland UCC or Traditions Health, in care of Birzer Funeral Home.

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