Rev. Don Lambert

Reverend Doctor Donald West Lambert, a resident of Fort Collins, Colorado since 1972, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. His time in this world was an exemplar of service, family, and fun.

Don was born July 14, 1935 at Danville, Indiana to Harry and Jeanette Lambert. He had an older brother, Royce, and younger sister, Carla Jean. The Harry Lambert family grew up on the Clay Township farm. All were active members of the Amo Baptist Church.

In junior high school Don met Frances Ann Edgar and in high school they dated a few times. Don played basketball; Fran became a cheerleader. Upon graduation from Amo High School, Don chose to attend Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana, a school established in 1834 for Baptist ministers and others. A year later Fran followed Don to Franklin College to become a teacher.

At an early age Don felt a calling to consider training for the pastoral ministry. At age 18 he served as vice-president of Indiana Baptist Youth. Though still a sophomore in college, Don was invited to a small, rural church for a trial sermon. He agreed and took Fran along to play piano. The church invited him to fill the pulpit. This was the first of a handful of small, mostly rural Indiana churches Don would helm over the next twenty years. Don and Fran were married August 26, 1955. Their growing family eventually would include sons Doug and Dennis and daughter Donna.

In 1972 Don accepted a call to transfer to American Baptist Church in Fort Collins, Colorado–a state the family had enjoyed for its mountainous grandeur. Don served thirteen years at ABC, and another seven years at First Baptist Church in Greeley. At each station, Don was known and beloved for his sensible sermons, rich bass singing voice, and humorous anecdotes.

Don’s aptitude for leadership, collaboration and consensus was widely recognized. He served as president of Rocky Mountain Baptist Churches and a member of the National Board of American Baptist Churches. In Fort Collins he served with Volunteers of America and Habitat for Humanity to meet community housing needs; his prowess with a hammer was evident. He was also instrumental as a founder of Elderhaus, the first adult daycare service in the Rocky Mountains.

In addition to his professional life, Don was something of a Renaissance man: painter, poet, builder, craftsman, gardener. For a time he managed a shop in Estes Park, offering many of his artistic, often whimsical wooden creations. He was equally comfortable traveling the world or sitting on a porch visiting. A gifted raconteur, Don amused and enlightened people with stories from his childhood and thoughtful musings.

Don will be greatly missed and fondly remembered, including by his loving wife Fran Lambert; son Doug and his wife Diane; son Dennis and his wife Susanne; daughter Donna and her husband Ken Kirby; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. His greater legacy lives on in the countless individuals and communities whose lives he touched.

Please join Don's family for a Celebration of Life on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 1pm at First United Methodist Church in Fort Collins. A light reception will follow.

For those that cannot attend Don's service in person, please join us virtually via livestream. To access the livestream link, visit the church's website here: firstchurchfc.org The link will be displayed prominently at the top of the homepage.

Along with flowers, contributions may be made in Don's memory to Elderhaus adult day program. Should you wish to send flowers, Rowes Flowers in Loveland is the preferred florist.

Fond memories of Don and words of condolence for his family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.