John Darrel Lambert, Sr.

John Darrel Lambert, Sr., 70, died at home in Mt Sterling surrounded by wife and family September 5, 2019, after an extended battle with cancer. Born August 25, 1949, the youngest of ten children to Ollie and Jewell Caudill Lambert in Clearfield.

He was a graduate of Rowan County High School and attended Morehead State University. John worked at the Morehead Utility Plant Board until he joined the Kentucky State Police, Morehead Post#8, after graduating from the Kentucky State Police Academy in 1973.

John's career with the Kentucky State Police was distinguished by not only his years of service but by the multiple promotions and positions he held throughout eastern, northern and central KY. John first joined KSP as a trooper for Post#8 in Morehead and was named Trooper of the Year in 1977. Starting in 1980, John served as the Public Affairs Officer for nine years. In November 1989, he was promoted to Sergeant and was assigned to Post 6 in Dry Ridge. He was then transferred to Lexington as the Sergeant of Drivers' Testing. In 1995, John was promoted to Lieutenant of Drivers' Testing in Frankfort. In November 1999, John became a Captain and named Commander of Post 14 in Ashland. After 29 years of service, John retired in 2002.

John was a member of the Gateway Christian Church in Mt Sterling, but also considered Lower Rock Lick Enterprise Baptist in Fleming County a home church.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years Sara Rose Planck Lambert (married February 1st, 1969) and his sons, John Darrell "JD" Lambert, Jr. (Stacey) of Mt. Sterling; Christopher Brian Lambert (Linda) of Lexington; and Matthew Brett Lambert of Mt. Sterling. John also was a loving Pappy to John Darrell "Trey" III; Josephine, Braylon, Lalena, Reagan, Colton and Clayton.

Also surviving are two brothers Gary (Melody) of Morehead and Paul of Mt Sterling; two sisters Hilda Preziosi (Frank) and Dena Valerian (Bob) of Boyton Beach, FL and special sister-in-law, Gayle Plank of Lexington, brothers-in-law, Joe (Brenda) Planck, Tim (Cheryl) Plank and sister-in-law, Kim Plank Henderson. Several nieces, nephews, church family, special neighbors and golfing buddies also survive. John said his family was his "pride and joy. "John and Sara's true love for each other serves as an example for all of us as they raised a family and cared for each other for more than 50 years.

John coached baseball, football, and basketball through Montgomery County Recreation Department for many years. John was an avid UK sports fan and enjoyed golf so much that after retirement from the Kentucky State Police, he took part-time jobs at the Old Silo and The Mt. Sterling Country Club to be on the golf course. He enjoyed fishing, boating and travelling, but mostly John enjoyed time with his family, especially his grandchildren. John tried to be there for every grandchild's ball game, recital, grandparents' day, and other special and even ordinary events. He loved to travel with the family and had several trips to Disney World and other kid-friendly locations.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by brothers Ray, Vernon and Oscar and sisters Zora Hiler and Juanita Armstrong.

Special thanks for the care provided by the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center and Jessi Gulley and colleagues of St. Claire Hospice.

Services will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at the Northcutt and Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel in Morehead with Vernon Winston Lambert, Glenn Emery, and Bill Kilgore officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Morehead. Final rites will be presented by the Kentucky State Police Honor Guard at gravesite.

Serving as pallbearers are sons JD, Chris, Brett; grandsons Trey and Braylon; and special friends Harvey Holbrook and Terry Kelin.  Honorary pallbearers will be his brothers Gary and Paul and brother-in-law Joe Planck.

Visitation will be after 5 p.m. Monday, September 9, 2019, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com

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