Gary Don Lambley, 82

Gary Don Lambley was born on September, 8th 1941 to Ulyse and Lucille (Stephen) Lambley in Ainsworth, NE. He was raised in the country close to town along with two big brothers and a little sister. His childhood was busy riding Baldy and Red Feather ponies along with his siblings, numerous cousins and half of the Ainsworth kids.

He spent many hours working at the Ainsworth Livestock Market for his grandfather, G.W. Lambley. He was a very good baseball and football player during his high school years. He was as tough as they come!

Gary graduated in 1960 from Ainsworth, NE and volunteered for the US Army draft. His shooting was rated as expert and was the best shot in his company. His overseas travels included Goose Bay Labrador Newfoundland and Greenland where he was a company paymaster. He was told there was supposed to be a girl behind every tree in Greenland but the problem was there were no trees. After being honorably discharged from his two-year hitch, he came back home.

Gary worked various jobs until moving to Burke, SD in 1967 with his brother to lease the Burke Livestock Auction as Lambley Brothers and he auctioneered the sales.

In 1968, he met LaVella Rademacher on a blind date through his future sister-in-law Bev Herring and went to a dance in Herrick, SD. They were married April, 20th 1968. After he left the sale barn in the late 70s, he was a cattle buyer until he retired at which time he took care of his own cattle and horses. During this time, they had three boys, Ryan Thomas, Cory Don and Ross Jurgen Ulyse. Gary never missed a sporting event that his boys played even though he traveled to sales across four states constantly. He took great pride in their baseball and football talents.

When not going to sales or kids’ activities, which was a rare feat, he had other interests. He loved hunting coyotes, playing cards with friends and family and took care of his cattle and AQHA horses. He was proud to be an NRA Life member, a member of the National American Legion, and Burke United Methodist Church member. His two grand-kids were his pride and joy-they called him “ Papa”.

Gary is survived by wife, LaVella of 55 years; his sons, Ryan Thomas, of Grand Island, NE, Cory Don, of Highmore, SD and Ross Jurgen Ulyse (Jennifer) and their children, Kaya Rosalie and Nolan Ross of Sioux Falls, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ulyse and Lucille; big brothers, Tommy and Herris; little sister, Lolita and nephew, Phillip Herring.

P.S. Gary strongly urges everyone to vote republican! One of Gary’s sayings “ When you always tell the truth, you don’t have to remember what you said”!

A private family graveside service was held Friday, October 6, 2023 at the Ainsworth City Cemetery with Pastor Mike Eurit officiating.

Honorary Pallbearers were Jim Spearman, Jim McDermott, Larry Hansen, Larry Sayers, Phil Herring, Chuck Malone, Dennis Harms and Steve Krogman.