Celebrating the Life of Raymond Douglas Lambert

August 6, 1933 - November 19, 2025

Obituaries are a tradition, where the living attempt to compose an entire life traveled by an individual who has now moved on to where they are next. It is impossible, by a small brush, to paint the work of a magnificent existence. The following lines will be a customary obligation to highlight the basic rhythm of 8 years less than 100 lived. This will suffice for those who did not know Raymond, but for those who did, he was known as Doug, and they will already be familiar with every stroke, shade, and color he laid on to the canvas of his life.

Raymond Douglas Lambert, age 92

Raymond Douglas Lambert forever "29" presented his farewell on November 19, 2025, at exactly 5:10 PM. His hand was held in love by family, in his own home where he most wanted to be, listening to his favorite music. He traveled onward and forward gently with dignity, forever in peace.

Born August 6, 1933, in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, Doug entered life in humble beginnings with a childhood that was not always easy. It was perhaps these experiences that forged the man he became. He was a soft-spoken, kindhearted person who often gave to others. He had a witty, sharp sense of humor and a presence larger than life. He was an avid collector of anything and everything. He was a private man and fiercely independent. Simple lines cannot possibly articulate 92 years of a life well done.

You either knew Doug, or you did not. He lived immensely and was loved immeasurably. He left the world exactly as he lived it-completely on his own terms.

Doug's life was defined by his never-ending curiosity and his persistent drive to accomplish whatever he could dream of. Whether it was digging a tunnel from his house to connect his garage, or somehow believing he was a master electrician. Adding one more piece of duct tape to a tattered old jacket because it could still be used, or building another structure to further his collections. He loved looking up and dreaming of the values of his collections. He was truly unstoppable. He taught us that above all, family is first, and to always remember to give to yourself.

Preceded in death by his father, Clair Randall Lambert; mother, Lavina Inez Ocean; siblings, Richard, Frances, Evelyn, Glenda; and many other family members who touched his world.

Survived by his loving little brother, Glenn Frederick Lambert, who says "Farewell for now, never to be forgotten. A life of brotherhood adventures and memories to last a lifetime, through thick and thin. I love my hero to me big brother forever." His "Buddy...Linky Link," Lincoln Terrance Lambert, special friend and part of his every day. Hugs, kisses, and silly smiles, partners in crime. Deeply connected. "My Buddy Forever." Fuzz, otherwise known as the "pet" Cat - feral back porch, constant in-and-out of the house, razor-sharp clawed, biting, hissing, shameless professional beggar and mooch/snob. He is also survived by many other relatives, nieces, nephews, great and great-great - too many to mention.


Closing Tribute

Thank you for being part of our lives, and thank you for inviting us into yours. Thank you for all the laughter, the good times, and even the ones that were less. Together, they created the magic of family and the power of love.

Your legacy lives in the stories you told, the actions you took and the memories you created that will follow us all of our lives.

Although it is impossible that you are no longer part of our everyday lives, as we say our goodbyes together in this world, you will never be forgotten and now exist in our minds and hearts forever. Rest well and in peace.

We Love You.