Wilburn Lambeth

Wilburn "Joe" Lambeth went home to be with his Savior on August 12, 2025, in Big Spring, Texas. He was born on March 20, 1928, in Best, Texas to Lige Lambeth and Ann Ford. He graduated from McCamey High School.

At seventeen, Joe enlisted in the Navy Reserve and honorably served in combat during both World War II and the Korean War. For his service in World War II, he was awarded the American Area Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Area Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. During the Korean War, he served aboard the USS McDermut (DD-677) and was awarded the United Nations Korean Service Medal. He attained the rank of Quartermaster Signalman Third Class.

Following his military service, Joe felt called to the ministry and completed seminary training. He preached in various parts of Texas and in Hobbs, New Mexico.

Joe married Bonnie Merriman on June 7, 1948, in Denver City, Texas. Together they raised two daughters, Sandra (Sandy) and Sharon. In 1962, the Lambeth family moved to Hobbs, New Mexico, where Joe worked in the oil fields and later with Kerr-McGee Potash, where he eventually retired.

Joe loved fishing, camping, waterskiing, golfing, and working crossword puzzles, and cheering for the Dallas Cowboys. He also enjoyed sitting on his front porch, finding shapes in the clouds. A quiet, humble man of strong faith, Joe was a man of few words, but he had a warm sense of humor and a knack for delivering sharp one-liners.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lige and Ann Lambeth; his four brothers - Hubert, Billy, Bobby Jack (Jackie), and Jerry Lambeth; his wife of 66 years, Bonnie Lambeth; and his daughter, Sandra Salameh.

He is survived by his daughter, Sharon Lambeth of Hobbs, NM; five grandchildren: Cheryl Dellinges of Decatur, TX, David Dellinges of Sanger, TX, Mary Salameh of Las Cruces, NM, Samuel Salameh (Nikki) of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, and Sarah Walterscheid (Michael) of Carlsbad, NM; six great-grandchildren: Rebecca Dellinges, Damian Kriner, David Dellinges Jr., Quinton Kriner, Bay Salameh, and Skye Salameh; and two great-great-grandchildren: Kayla-Vivian Thea Dellinges and Terra-Faye Harper Dellinges.

In 2024, Joe moved to the Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Veterans Home, where he was deeply loved by the staff and fellow veterans. While there, he was honored with the Quilt of Valor—a quilt awarded to service members and veterans who have been touched by war. The quilt carried a powerful message: “Thank you for your service and sacrifice to our nation.”

Joe had a heart for helping others and touched countless lives. He will be deeply missed.