Gary R. Lamkins

In Loving Memory of Gary Robert Lamkins

It is with deep sorrow and broken hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Gary Robert Lamkins on July 20, 2025, at the age of 72.

Gary was a devoted father, loving husband, and loyal friend. His life was marked by kindness, hard work, and selfless devotion to his family. His love for his wife, Linda, was unwavering-their marriage lasting 52 years. Together, they built a life filled with adventure and unshakable support for one another. He was her rock, her partner, and her best friend.

A true self-made man and gifted contractor, his ingenuity, integrity and dedication earned him the respect of all who worked with him. He was known as someone who would help out a friend or neighbor in need. No job was too small, and no project too ambitious. His hands were calloused with effort, and his mind was always hungry to learn more. That curiosity led him to engineer wind, solar, and thermal energy systems long before they became trendy.

He and Linda shared a love for travel, exploring together in the van Gary custom-built, "Vanna Blanca." They also found joy and community in off-roading adventures, spending fun-filled days UTVing with friends. He made connections through bowling leagues, snowmobile club and his morning "coffee clutch" where long-time friends shared much more than eggs and coffee.

Gary loved his family more than anything in the world. His greatest pride was being a husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves behind a loving wife, two devoted daughters, Valerie (Ryan) Hall and Tiffany Niederwerfer, and five cherished grandchildren: Ayden, Cole, and Aubrie Hall, and Evan and Emmy Niederwerfer. His wisdom, humor, and quiet strength shaped their lives in ways that words can scarcely capture.

Gary is further survived by his siblings, Betty Stevens, Roy (Gloria) Lamkins, and Cheryl Lamkins, as well as his Radley-family brothers and sisters, many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Blanche Lamkins; siblings Sandra Baer, Donna Paters, and Russell Lamkins; and his beloved godson, Anthony John "Antsy-Pants" Radley, whom he loved fiercely.

He was the kind of man people admired-genuine, hardworking, and all around a positive person to be around. He was loved by so many, and that love will carry on in the stories, laughter, and lessons he left behind.

A funeral service for Gary will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Dahlke Life Celebration Center of Manawa with Rev. Jill Meyer officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. at the Life Celebration Center and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Following the service, friends and family will continue to celebrate Gary's life at a reception at Cedar Springs Golf Course.

Dad, we love you more than words can ever say. Thank you for teaching us to dream big, work hard, love deeply, and never stop learning. You were one of a kind.