Capt. Frank Alfred Lambert, USMC (ret) age 92, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, November 8, 2025, surrounded by the family who adored him. After courageously battling the cruel disease of dementia, he is now healed, whole and rejoicing with his Savior.

Some knew him as Frank. Others know him “PawPaw”. No matter what you called him, if you knew him at all, you knew he loved you and most likely you benefited from his willingness to help, lead, advise, organize or problem-solve any situation.

Born in Lawrence, Mass. on February 1, 1933, he was the son of the late Frank Antonio and Irene Jacquelyn Lambert and grew up in Chickopee Falls, Mass. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves when he was 17, then after finishing high school he entered into USMC active service and retired 20 years later as a Captain having served duty stations on the east coast as well as in Cuba, Korea and Vietnam. Some of the honors he received during his service included the Secretary of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal with combat “V”, Marine Corps good conduct medal with 2 stars, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 stars and the Armed Forces Service Medal with 1 star.

In 1953 Frank was assigned as a USMC recruiter in Little Rock, Ark. There he met the love of his life Leola “Jane” Shepherd, at Troy’s Roller Dome. They were married on September 24, 1954, and spent the next 71 years building a life marked by devotion, laughter, adventure and more memories than anyone could count. Frank’s duty posts also included Parris Island, SC, Camp LeJeune, NC, the Pentagon and USMC District Headquarters in New Orleans, LA.

After retiring in 1970, the Lambert family, that now numbered six, moved to Conway, Ark., his adopted “home base” to be near Jane’s family. The children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would grow up finding him in his natural habitat: behind his beloved wooden desk where world problems were solved, Conway logistics were managed and a shocking amount of office supplies lived. After his retirement from the Marines, he was an agent with Robert L. Ott Insurance and later was an independent agent with Mutual of Omaha Insurance.

Frank loved his wife, Jane, with a devotion that spanned seven beautiful decades. They traveled to Europe frequently, were long-time members of the Faulkner County Two-Steppers Club and together raised their children, Allen (Regina), John (deceased) (Nila), Scott (Merrill) and Suzan (Shawn), building a family and a legacy in Conway that eventually grew to include 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, who were the true joys of Frank’s life.

Frank served a term as Arkansas Optimist Club Governor and secretary-treasurer of the Conway Noon Optimist Club for over 30 years. He was also honored as Optimist of the Year. He was the volunteer head of the Conway Optimist Pee Wee Football program and managed the concession stand for many years. He founded the Conway Blackhawks Roller Hockey team busing the team, as needed, to tournaments across the state. He faithfully served the Marine League Angel Tree program for several years. He was a member of the VFW and the Conway Marine Corps League.

Frank Lambert leaves behind a legacy of service, devotion, humor and love, a life lived fully for his family, his country and his community. He will be missed deeply.

The Lambert family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the people who became family over the last eight years: Frank’s caregivers, Chase, Samantha and the staff of Southern Caregivers and Amanda at Elite Hospice.

The Lambert family will hold an Open House on Frank’s birthday, February 1, 2026, 1pm-3pm, at their home on Hunter Street. This will be a time for those who would like to share their memories of Frank to visit with his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Central Arkansas Angel Tree Program.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com