Henry Hanes 'Hank' 'Sonny' Lamb

Henry Hanes 'Hank' 'Sonny' Lamb, Jr., 85, of Alton, IL, walked joyfully into his eternal home, Tuesday, December 2, 2020. Born on November 7, 1935, Hank was the beloved child of Henry and Ora Mae (Stephens) Lamb.

On June 9, 1956, Hank married the love of his life and very best friend, Ruth (Walz) Lamb at Peace United Church of Christ in Jerseyville, Illinois. Together, Hank and Ruth have been blessed with 4 children, 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, whom he loved without boundaries.

Hank graduated from Alton Senior High School in 1953, and then attended Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. There, he joined the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, and was a member of the ROTC. During his lifelong career in engineering, Hank travelled to places such as Israel, Brazil, Italy and Panama, and throughout the U.S. However, he most loved being at home with his family.

When he wasn't reading or tinkering with a home improvement project, Hank (along with Ruth and his children) loved being a part of the local little theater community, specifically musicals, as well as golfing. He truly loved making people smile and instilled in his children the importance of finding joy in all things, giving mercy when seemingly undeserved and extending grace to anyone along the way. Anyone Hank met was greeted with the warmest smile and kindest words. He truly loved people as Jesus loved him.

As his faith in Jesus Christ grew, Hank became a member of the International Christian Fellowship of Businessmen and led many small groups and classes, first at New Testament Fellowship Church, then River of Life Family Church, both in Alton. His greatest pleasure was sharing his testimony and faith in his Savior. Never meeting a stranger, he truly loved and lived the commission of being the hands and feet of Christ.

Hank is survived by his beautiful wife of 64 years, Ruth Lamb of Alton; children Jeffery Lamb of Ashland, Dawn (Mike) Montgomery of Godfrey, Shannon (Craig) Sondker of Grafton, and Jonathan (Beth) Lamb of Janesville, Wisconsin; grandchildren Destiny (Brad) Kwas, Micah Lamb, Evan (Leah) Lamb, Klaus Lamb, Wesley (Kaylia) Lamb, Patrick (Jordan) Lamb, Jacob (Eowyn) Montgomery, Kyle (Amanda) Montgomery, Dylan (Sarah) Critchfield, Taylor (Sydney) Critchfield, Miranda (Anthony) Burgess, Autumn (Nick) Wunderlich, Hannah Lamb, Austin Lamb, Liam Lamb and Adrianah Smaga, as well as 14 great grandchildren. Also surviving is his step-sister, Maryann (Vern) Schaaf, and very special 'outlaws', James Walz, Martha Hankins and Patrick (Patsy) Walz, along with many nieces and nephews, all who dearly loved him.

Preceding Hank in death were his parents, Henry Lamb and Ora Mae (Bud) Ritchey, and step-brother Eugene Ritchey, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Per his wishes cremation rites are being accorded by Elias Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity, or simply pay for a stranger's meal or groceries. Hank would love that.

Online condolences and guest book can be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home