Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Karl Allen Lamb, age 87, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2020. He was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart Sally Ann (Walker) Lamb who became his wife in 1959. In addition to his parents and wife, Karl is preceded in death by his brother Edgar and sister Beverly.  Karl is survived by sons Steven and wife Anastacia, Martin and wife Rebecca, and daughters Amy, Cynthia and husband Kamari. He is also survived by grandsons Erik, Jaycob, Jeremy, Owen, Joshua, Donovan, granddaughter Zoe and great grandson Jaxson. 

Born in Worland, Wyoming to Lawrence Lamb and Floribel (Krueger) Lamb, Karl grew up in Pueblo, Colorado and went on to graduate from Yale in 1954. In 1958 he achieved his Doctorate in Philosophy from Oxford University where he was a Rhodes Scholar. Karl was in the ROTC at Yale and became a Captain in the Army Reserves.

Dr. Lamb began his academic career as an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan from 1958-1963. From there he was invited to become one of the founding faculty members at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He enjoyed a successful and prolific career as a Professor of Political Science there. In 1985 he left UCSC to become the Academic Dean of the United States Naval Academy. After serving as Dean from 1985-1989, he remained at the Academy, returning to his initial love of teaching until he retired in 1999.
Upon retirement, while a Professor Emeritus at USNA, Karl embraced full time writing. Having previously authored seven non-fiction political science texts and two dozen political science articles, Karl pursued his lifelong dream of writing a novel based on his father’s life in 1920’s Colorado. Karl was a longtime member of the American Political Science Association. 

Stunningly well read, Karl had a prodigious vocabulary which resulted in him being a champion Scrabble player. His vocabulary was only matched by his love of fine foods. Like his vocabulary, his generosity knew few bounds. He was a spirited sailor who delighted in being out on the water, providing his family and friends with many memorable experiences. A true conversationalist, Karl was as interested in listening as he was in talking. He will be sorely missed. His passing has left us with many fond memories but also sadness realizing we have no opportunities to create more with him. 

A memorial service will be held for Karl A. Lamb at the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on October 18. Karl will be interred alongside his wife Sally at the Academy immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the "Karl Lamb Prize" at UCSC. This prize supports a Cowell College student with a declared major in Politics or Creative Writing. It is based on academic merit and financial need. Link to online UCSC donation page below. Note that "Karl Lamb Prize" must be selected from the list of designations available through the form.

<a href="https://secure.ucsc.edu/s/1069/bp18/interior.aspx?sid=1069&gid=1001&pgid=780&cid=1749">Click Here To Donate</a>

Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab at the top of this page.



Dr. Karl A. Lamb

Dr. Karl A. Lamb

Dr. Karl Lamb Services

No public services planned at this time