Norman Everett Lambert - Obituary

orman E. Lambert, “Buddy”, passed away peacefully at his home of 69 years on August 20, 2020 with his family at his side. He was 9 days shy of his 97th birthday. Norman was blessed to live most of his days on Earth in good health and remained active in body, mind and spirit. Norman was born on August 29, 1923 in Washington, D.C. He was the youngest of three children born to the late Katherine May Waters and the late Walter Lambert. He was predeceased by his brother William Lambert and sister, Jean (Welland). He was raised in the District of Columbia and was a graduate of Anacostia High School. Following graduation in 1942, Norman began working with C & P Telephone Company, where he served as an installer, repairman, and lineman. He spoke proudly of his work throughout his career which included installation of telephones in new communities in Washington D.C. and Prince Georges County as well as at government facilities including Andrews Military Base, NASA, in Greenbelt and U.S Census Bureau and U.S. Weather Bureau, Suitland Maryland. He was a life member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. In February 1943, Norman enlisted in the military to serve his country in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater of Operations as a Combat Infantryman. He received numerous decorations and citations including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. In December 1945, following honorable discharge from military service, Norman returned to his position at C & P Telephone in Washington D.C. until he retired after 42 years in 1984. On May 3, 1952, Norman married Mary King (deceased) and they settled in District Heights, MD. They raised four children, Mary Angela (Hamm) (deceased), Norman Jr. (Susan), Tracy James, and Julie Ann (Tammy). Norman was a charter member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 9619, Morningside, Maryland, where he and wife, Mary, enjoyed active memberships throughout the remainder of their lives. Following his retirement, Norman served several terms as the Post’s Quartermaster and on the Board of Governors. He was also a member the Military Order of the Cootie, as well as the American Legion Post 248, Temple Hills, Maryland. He and wife, Mary, raised their family as members of the parish of Mt. Calvary Catholic Church, Forestville, Maryland. Norman was an avid sports fan, especially enjoying the Washington Nationals baseball team and he was a long-time season ticket holder of the Washington Redskins. He travelled to many football stadiums throughout the country to watch the Redskins compete. He also enjoyed reading the daily newspaper, gardening, feeding the birds and sitting on his patio, with his son, Tracy. After becoming a widow in 1995, Buddy and son Tracy went on to be inseparable roommates and best of friends until his passing. Together, they enjoyed a life of worry-free contentment. His kind, loving, jovial, compassionate, and generous personality will be greatly missed by his surviving three children, along with their spouses, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, extended family and countless friends and acquaintances. Norman lived a long, wonderful life and brought happiness to all those who knew and loved him.