Edward F. Lampman

Edward Francis Lampman, Jr. passed away peacefully from this life on August 30, 2016. He enjoyed 99 years of wonderful life and service, leaving the world a better place for having been here. Born June 11, 1917 in Oak Park, Illinois to Edward F. Lampman, Sr. and Augusta Sophia Millahn as the last of 4 children, he grew up primarily in Des Moines, Iowa. Following high school, he joined his father in the movie theater business before entering the US Army during WWII where he advanced to the level of 2nd Lieutenant. While in the Army on training maneuvers he met and married the love of his life, Mary Louise Huffman of Winchester, Tennessee in 1942. They shared 72 years together, living first in Chicago, then Waukegan, Illinois; Atlanta, Georgia; Nashville, Tennessee; and ultimately Hot Springs Village for the past 25 plus years. He and Mary Louise often said they were most proud of their two daughters, Gayle and Linda and granddaughter Kimberly. After the war, Lampman joined Stewart Warner Corporation, a Chicago-based manufacturing firm where he enjoyed a 40 year career, becoming General Sales Manager and eventually Southeast Distributor in Nashville, TN.

Lampman proudly recounted to family and friends how – seeing that something was missing in his life that others took for granted – he became a Christian in 1950 and joined the Presbyterian Church in Waukegan, IL serving in various leadership roles. He continued his Presbyterian affiliation throughout his life. He and his wife were pleased to be charter members of the Woodlands Presbyterian Church of Hot Springs Village where he served as a Deacon, Elder and helped lead the Good Shepherds’ Program.

Lampman was proud to be a Rotarian for some 40 years, and enjoyed reciting the Rotary motto of service above self – which he not only embraced but lived to his last days. He credited Rotary with giving him the opportunity to learn much and help more. And his fellow Rotarian’s were some of his best and most supportive of friends. Beyond Rotary service, he volunteered time for the Garland County Literacy Council, the Village Clean-up Crew, and the Hot Springs Village Veterans Memorial. And given his favorite pastime of golf, he gladly volunteered as a course marshal for 10 years in Hot Springs Village. After he and his wife moved into Good Samaritan Cedar Lodge, he enjoyed arranging the weekly Movie Night for Good Samaritan residents. Helping others helped him stay fit and positive, and he was delighted to be showcased as an exemplary client of the Good Samaritan Fit for Life Wellness Center at the mere age of 96 years. His long health and fitness allowed him to be the devoted and caregiving husband for his wife in her last decade of life.

A very positive, upbeat, charming and confident man, Lampman ‘never met a stranger’ and nearly always had a smile, a good word and deed for those he encountered. A favorite prayer found in his personal notations explained his rationale: “We go this way but once. Help me to leave my path better than I found it.” In a 2015 new year’s letter to a newspaper editor he wrote, “…to feel better about ourselves and improve our happiness, we can simply do something for others…which makes a difference in you.”

He is survived by his daughter Gayle Marie Shelton of Black Mountain, NC; daughter Linda Frances Ragsdale of Hot Springs Village; granddaughter Kimberly Anne Shelton of Los Angeles, CA; nieces and nephews across the country; and those who would fondly claim him as their “adopted” second father. A Celebration of Life Service will be held later in the fall when all family can hopefully be present. Memorials may be sent to Good Samaritan Society, Arkansas Hospice or the charity of your choice.