Elmer E. Lambert

Elmer Elsworth Lambert, 94, of Moline and New Port Richey, Florida, passed away December 25, 2024, at Allure of the Quad Cities, Moline.

Elmer was born in Moline on May 9, 1930, to Orville and Mary (Tomlinson) Lambert. He attended Moline schools but left school in September, 1947 and joined the Navy. He trained as a diesel mechanic and served four years. During the Korean War he was part of the Inchon Landings and the evacuation at Hungnam. After his discharge he worked as an auto mechanic in Orion, Illinois. On September 11, 1953 he married Peggy Eshelman of Rock Island. 

In April, 1954 Elmer went to work for Deere & Company in the accounting department. Shortly afterward he was selected to be trained as the company’s first computer programmer. During his 30-year career he played a key role in the creation and growth of the company’s information systems departments. After retirement he and Peggy traveled extensively for several years before relocating to the west coast of Florida. 

Elmer had many talents and hobbies. In his younger years he enjoyed playing golf, tennis and bowling. He had a lifelong love of boating and boated for many years on the Mississippi River and along the Florida Gulf Coast. Elmer was a skilled mechanic, and he enjoyed working with electronics. He played the 5-string banjo and the harmonica.

Elmer belonged to the Orion VFW, Korean War Veterans Association and was a 32nd Degree Mason. He was a former member of the Moline Elks Club, South Park Tennis Club, Mill Creek Country Club and the Moline Gospel Temple.

Elmer was preceded in death by his brother, Harry and his three sisters, Helen Ellett, Margaret “Rusty” Stickle and Mary Ann Gibbs.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy of Trinity, Florida; sons, Doug (Laura) Lambert, Coal Valley, IL, James (Victoria) Lambert, Tampa, FL; and daughter, Linda (Gerald) Gendron, Trinity, Florida. Also, granddaughters, Kimberly Donia, Kristen Hawk, Brooke Lambert and Courtney Lambert; grandsons, Andrew Tauchen and Luke Lambert. He had one great grandson, Carter Tauchen, and one great granddaughter, Grace Donia.

Friends who knew Elmer are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at 2 p.m. Monday January 13, 2025, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline.

Private inurnment will take place at the Rock Island National Cemetery with military honors.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Allure of the Quad Cities and UnityPoint Hospice for their care and compassion over the past two years.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.