Robert Eugene Lambeth

Robert “Bob” Eugene Lambeth, age 82, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Born on March 22, 1943, in Springfield, Missouri, to Gene and Wanda (Casey) Lambeth. Bob was known by many for his love of life and his devotion to his faith, work and family.

A man of strong faith, throughout his life Bob was an active member of Quail Springs Baptist Church. His home was nicknamed by those in his Sunday School Class as the “Party House.” Where he hosted many Thunder, OU, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s, birthday parties or any other made-up holiday he could create to have everyone gathered together.

Graduating from Monett High School in 1961, Bob also worked alongside his parents in their mattress factory, where he learned the value of hard work. He went on to attend Harding College, where he studied electronics and communications—fields that would form the foundation of his lifelong career.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and received many honors including the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

Bob also worked under a contract with NASA, contributing to the construction of batteries for the Lunar Project and playing a role in one of the most significant achievements in space exploration and devoted almost 40 years of his professional life to the medical engineering field, with GE Medical - where he was dedicated to ensuring CAT Scans in his area where fully functional. Once he even spent a night in the Dodge City, Kansas jail because after working on a machine at the hospital the snow was so high he couldn’t drive, there were no room in any of the inns for him to stay. His only hope was to tell an officer his sad story in hopes that the officer knew of a place where he could stay. He was not expecting to get offered a stay in a jail cell with the door unlocked. He went on to tell others that he lived the experience of many of the outlaws from one of his favorite shows, Gunsmoke.

He often said his favorite chapter in life began when he became “Papa.” To be a Lambeth grandchild meant you won the grandkid lottery with lots of fun memories from him holding them as a baby for hours on the couch, after school ice cream runs, taking them to the circus, amusement parks or the latest movie. Most of all he was their biggest cheerleader at all their events.

To his family, Bob was the strongest person they all ever knew. Having been diagnosed with five different types of cancers throughout his life (Prostate – 2011; Kidney – 2020; Bladder – 2024; Skin – 2025; and Blood – 2025), Bob always continued to fight until it took multiple doctors telling him there were no more options.

Bob will be truly missed by all of those who were lucky enough to experience his love of life with him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Wanda Lambeth, and his brother-in-law, Roger Boedecker.

He is survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Melissa Leigh Patterson; Krista Jill Lambeth; and Kaitlan Marie Mankin and husband Jackson; his grandchildren, Kelsey Brooke Richards and husband Trenton, William “Trey” Basil Patterson IV, Keaton Blake Patterson, Beth Monroe Mankin, Marnie James Mankin, and Jules Austin Mankin; his great-grandchildren, Avery Mae Forgue and Cason Michael Richards; and his sister, Anita Sue Boedecker.

Service will be held at Quail Spring Baptist Church on Tuesday, January 6th at 3:00 pm in the chapel with a Celebration Party after in the church parlor.