To my wonderful husband, Willie Dail Lambeth, March 9, 1933 – March 11, 2023, born in Claypool, OK. We met on a blind date in Long Beach, CA in 1954. Dail’s southern drawl and sparking blue eyes won me over. We were married in my hometown, Fredericksburg, IA on March 27, 1955.
Dail proudly served aboard the heavy cruiser, USS St. Paul, from 1952 until 1956 as a GM3, during the Korean Conflict. Two outstanding children, Randy (Melissa) of Samon, ID and Vanessa of Corvallis, MT were born and raised in CA, OR, ID and MT. Willie, you were very proud of them and loved them very much, always and forever.
You were a perfectionist in your work as a general contractor and also in your many hobbies. You made hardwood furniture, created and sold a unique artist easel along with your oil paintings. You started a successful metal detecting club in Bend, OR where we lived for 40 years. You also tied flies for fishing, enjoyed camping and boating fun as a family.
We were snowbirds for 35 years, going to AZ. It was there that you were able to play your guitar, various other instruments, sing and enjoy your natural talent with other musicians.
We spent several years traveling in our motorhome. What fun… so much to see and appreciate. We settled in Stevensville, MT in 2016. You could walk, smile, stop to visit with other veterans and people… how friendly the young people were. If only Stevi could remain this way. Well, my dear, I could write many pages of our 68 married happy years together, but will say good night for now. You, Randy and Vanessa have been my life.
All my love, from your wife and friend, Phyllis.