William lived in Salina most of his adult life except for the three years he served in the United States Army, most of which was in the European Combat Theater of World War II. Bill received several medals and commendations, including two purple hearts and a bronze star. He worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for over 40 years, retiring in 1971.

William F. Lambeth was united in marriage with Verna Mae Walters in May of 1951. She preceded him in death in 2006. Also preceding him in death were his parents; his sisters, Bertha Rosemond, Emma Davis and Irene Craig; and a brother, Leo Lambeth.

Survivors include three nieces, Phyllis Isaacs, of DeSoto, Kan., Violet Parsons and her husband Leonard, of Amarillo, Texas, and Dorothy Ramsey, of Salina; one nephew, John Craig, of Amarillo; brother-in-law, James Ted and wife Pat Walters and family, of Topeka, Kan.; and his Christian caring family, Kelley and Mike Hulteen and their children, Patrick, Lauren and Nicole and their grandchild, Tucker, of Salina; and Mike and Barb Losik, of Lindsborg, Kan.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina, Kan. Burial will follow in Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina, with military honors provided by VFW Post 1432, Salina. Memorials may be made to the VFW, in care of the mortuary.