Richard Dean Lambirth

Richard Dean Lambirth, 77, went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 14, 2024, with his family by his side. There will be a celebration of life at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Countryside Wedding and Events Center located at 1995 Highway 5 Knoxville. There will be time for fellowship following the service. Rich’s family invites all to attend.

Rich was born on a very snowy day on December 21, 1946, to Ralph and Virginia (Scharff) Lambirth in New Sharon, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm in Tracy, Iowa. Rich graduated from Twin Cedars High School class of 1965, and then attended Indian Hills College in Centerville, Iowa. After graduating, he married his high school sweetheart Connie Sue Rodgers in 1966. They moved to Kansas City where Rich attended diesel mechanic training. After returning to Iowa, he helped grow the family business, Lambirth and Sons & Marion County Alcohol. 

Rich enjoyed doing countless activities when he was not busy doing chores for his loving wife. He and his family would go racing at the Eddyville Dragstrip. His family attended the Regular Baptist Church where he was a Deacon and a Sunday School youth leader. Rich always rose early in the morning to do daily devotions. He always said, “If I don’t start my day talking with God and studying His word, my day just doesn’t go right.” Rich spent time as a private pilot, delivering for the food pantry, and playing Santa Clause. Rich also enjoyed skydiving, water skiing, and boating. He loved attending his grandkids activities, taking family bus trips around the country, and working with his father, brothers, and son. 

Rich is survived by his wife, Connie Sue; children, R. Curtis (Jennifer) Lambirth and Nicole Lambirth Beary; brother, Terry Lambirth; sister, Sherrie (LE) Moore  grandchildren, Stacia Beary, Shana Lambirth, Holli (Jacob) Larrington, Rachel Beary, Cameron Lambirth, and Judson Beary; great grandkids, Remi and Knox Larrington; sister in-law, Carol Lambirth; special friends, Steve Meinders, Rachel Gulick, Chad Barnes, and Ty Campbell; and many nieces and nephews.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Virgil Davern Lambirth, and a sister in-law, Diane Rose Lambirth.

It was Rich’s wish to donate his body to Des Moines University of Health Sciences.

Memorials in Rich’s name may be directed to Crossroads Gospel Church or the Indiana Townships Fire Department.