Russell E. Lam

Russell E. Lam of Hobbs, NM passed away March 21, 2024, at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, TX.

Russell was born during the Spanish flu pandemic on May 9, 1919, in Stet (Ray County), MO to Ervin and Nannie (Clemens) Lam.  He was the oldest of four brothers.  Baptized in the Brethren Church in Stet, MO, he later converted to the Catholic Faith where he was an active member of St. Helena's Catholic Church in Hobbs, NM.

After graduation from Central High School in Hardin, MO, he became a farmer, just like his father and grandfather before him; but after 3 years of living in the country, he saw an advertisement from the "National School of Aeronautics" needing students for their aircraft mechanic training.  Off he went to Kansas City, MO towards his new life and adventures.

After completing his training, he landed his first job at Douglas Aircraft Co., in Santa Monica, CA.   As a lead, he worked on Dive Bombers for the military.  It was here that he received recognition for helping the Rosie Riveters by inventing a new riveting tool that helped to speed up the riveting process on airplanes being built.  Russell was always tinkering either at work or at his home shop developing and testing new ideas and inventions.  He received many awards and acknowledgments for his work accomplishments.

While in CA, Russell married the love of his life, Valerie Catherine Hartman on February 13, 1943.   They wed at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Los Angeles, CA and celebrated 70 years of marriage before her passing in 2013.

Russell and Val moved to New Mexico shortly after World War II where he worked as a Pontiac Service Manager for Hobbs City Motor Sales, Jackson Chevrolet in Lovington, and lastly retiring from Watson Truck and Supply Company in Hobbs.  He had a positive attitude in life and was a wonderful mentor and friend to many.  Some say, if it was mechanical, he could fix it.

Russell loved to share stories of the past.  He still had a very sharp mind up to the end and died two months shy of his 105th birthday.   He was a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews, and an adopted Grandpa to many.  He had many special friends and neighbors, especially Linda and Hector Rodriguez.

He is survived by Sister-in-law Dorothy Carmichael, and was predeceased by his parents, wife Valerie; his son at birth; brothers, Dale (Martha) Lam, Darrell (Tina) Lam and Dean (Beverly) Lam.

Memorial contributions may be made out to St. Helena Catholic Church or a charity of your choice.