Billy "Bill" Gene Lambert Obituary (1954

Pastor Billy "Bill" Gene Lambert, 67, passed away from this life and through Heaven's gate at 12:08 pm on December 22, 2021 at MHP Medical Center, Shelbyville, Indiana, surrounded by his family. He was born May 13, 1954, in Burkes Garden, Virginia, to Elmer & Frances "Ilene" (Kimberlin) Lambert. His family moved to Mohawk, Indiana when he was just a small child. He graduated from Mt. Vernon High School, Fortville, Indiana, in 1973. He went on to graduate from Calvary Midwest Bible College with an associates degree in Theology. On March 29, 1975, he was united in holy matrimony to Wilma Kilgore. He was smitten with his beloved Wilma since first meeting her in Jr. High School. He always said that when he first seen her, he thought she was "as cute as a newborn speckled puppy." It took him some time to win over her heart as she couldn't stand him, this could be due in part to him chasing her around the school yard with wooly worms and teasing her endlessly. Even after their 46 years of marriage, he still teased her, but no longer with wooly worms. He was a very loving husband and always tried to give Wilma anything she ever wanted, provided he could afford it. At the time of his passing Bill was employed by "Seniors Helping Seniors" and loved his job. He looked forward to taking care of his clients every day, and was very fond of his co-workers and enjoyed working with them and getting to know them. In 1977, Bill felt the Lord calling him to preach the gospel to a world in need. He went on to serve, in many capacities, in his local church for the next 20 years. In the late 1990's he felt the Lord leading him to start his own church in Knightstown, Indiana. He pastored there until 2011. In 2012 he felt the Lord calling him to Shelbyville, Indiana to a small church-Living Water Apostolic Church. After attending for 2 years, he became the assistant pastor for the next 3 years. In 2017 he became the pastor of Living Water Apostolic Church and remained so until his death. Even though he was the pastor, he always had a servant's heart and would help his members in any way possible. Year after year, he got right in the kitchen and helped make peanut brittle to sell, alongside everyone else. One high note in his ministry was in 2009, when he was able to travel to Brazil, South America and preach the gospel to the poor and destitute. Though he wore suits when necessary, Bill was much more comfortable in jeans, a shirt and a baseball hat. He enjoyed working on cars/trucks, remodeling, hanging drywall, traveling, photography and good food. He loved shopping and did so every chance he could get. Most of all, he absolutely loved people and helping them! He was never too busy to listen, easy to talk to and didn't judge. A truer christian and loyal friend did not exist. Bill greatly loved his family and was especially close to his sister and brother and loved both of them beyond measure. He always looked out for them and would have fought to the death for either of them. He also treasured his beloved nieces and nephews and always tried to give them his time and attention. Though he had no biological children of his own, he claimed Brandon and Anna as his own. He was an amazing "Dad" to both of them! Though heart broken over losing their precious dad, they will forever treasure the many memories of "The Best Dad Ever!" They will especially miss his bear hugs, tender embraces, words of wisdom and encouragement! Though a big man in stature, he was a teddy bear and had a heart as wide as the Grand Canyon. Beloved husband, loving brother, treasured father, great uncle, loving pastor and amazing friend- these are a few of his attributes. He will be forever missed by all who knew him! "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there by mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4 Surviving are his wife, Wilma Lambert of Shelbyville, son- Brandon (wife Jennifer) Clark of Wanamaker, daughter- Anna Konkle of Shelbyville; sister- Linda Lou Steele of Myrtle Beach, SC; brother- Timmy Ray Lambert of Greenfield; nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother in law Curtis Steele. Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Rd, with a friend of the family, Rev. Robert Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Gravel Lawn Cemetery in Fortville, Indiana. Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at the funeral home. Obituary lovingly written by: Anna Konkle (Daughter) Memorial contributions can be made to Billy Lambert Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home.