Wesley Harry Lambert

Wes Lambert, 87, of Raynesford, passed away of natural causes on November 23, 2017. Wes was born on February 5, 1930 in Roundup, Montana. He was the first of four children born to Albert and Adelia (Basinger) Lambert. Wes attended grade school in Roundup before moving with his family to Lavina, where he graduated high school in 1948. While in school Wes met Lila Helmey, whom he married in 1950. The union would last for over 67 years and would be blessed with seven children. Following high school, Wes joined the United States Air Force as a control tower operator with postings in Panama, Great Falls and Tokyo, Japan and was a veteran of the Korean War. After an honorable discharge, Wes returned to Montana and began a career as a grain buyer in Stanford, Winifred and Geraldine. In 1965, Wes moved his family to Fort Benton, where he took a job with Farmers Union Insurance and later New York Life Insurance. In 1973, Wes took a position with Western Equipment Company in Great Falls before they transferred him to Billings, where the family lived until 1977 when Wes accepted a job offer with the Equity Coop Association in Harlem. In 1984, he had the opportunity to go into business for himself and purchased Kibbey Korner Truck Stop in Raynesford, where he worked until his retirement in 1998. Wes was preceded in death by his son, Kenny; grandsons Matthew and Kyle; his parents; sister Avis (Bud) Neitzel; and brother Bobby (Ann) Lambert. He is survived by his wife, Lila; six children, Leigh (Jim) Stuart of Gildford, MT, Glenn Lambert of Raynesford, MT, Karla (Jay) Davison of Highwood, MT, Jimmy Lambert of Laurel, MT, Christine (Tom) Rodacker of Billings, MT and Jennifer (KJ) Cullen of Cheyenne, WY (recently of Belt); 12 grandchildren, whom he adored and took great pride in their accomplishments, Dani, Scott, Bridget, Jake, Joe, Kody, Brian, Nathan, Logan, Braydon, Cole and Lauren; 14 great-grandchildren; and sister Aileen (Harry) Mattheis. In lieu of flowers, family asks to please send donations in Wes’ name to the charity of your choice. Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at Riverside Cemetery, Fort Benton, MT. A celebration of life will follow. Please bring your stories and memories to share. Gathering of friends and family will follow the graveside service at the Club House, 1411 Main St., Fort Benton. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.