Kevin G. Lambert

Kevin G. Lambert, age 69, of Savanna, IL, passed away December 22, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA. A celebration of Kevin’s life will be held from noon to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at Manny's Pizza in Savanna. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

Kevin was born July 5, 1954, in Savanna, the son of John G. and Phyllis (Marshall) Lambert. He attended Savanna schools and graduated from Savanna High School. After high school, Kevin enlisted in the United States Army, serving for four years, and afterward, was honorably discharged. Kevin returned to Illinois and graduated from the Illinois Police Training Institute.

He began his law enforcement career in 1977 as a patrolman for The City of Mt. Carroll. Kevin also worked for the City of Lanark and the Village of Chadwick as a police officer before working as a detective at the Rock Island Arsenal. 1988, Kevin was hired by the Village of Cordova and served as Chief of Police until 2003. He then took a break from law enforcement, started a lawn mowing business, and worked in the private security sector. The Village of Hanover later hired Kevin as a part-time patrolman. Kevin later became the Hanover Chief of Police for a few years. Kevin was passionate about helping people and serving the communities he worked in.

Kevin married Roxanne (Kness) Johnson in 1975, and they had one son, Ryan. In 1982, Kevin married Becky (Johnson) Shearer, and together, they had three children: Laurie, Stephanie, and Drew.

Kevin was strong-willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed reading and watching westerns, tending to the yard, grilling, and cooking, and his later years were spent looking after his neighbors and community. He would spend endless hours listening to the scanner to keep up with his passion for law enforcement. He will be remembered for his kind heart and the countless hours he spent volunteering at the American Legion in Savanna, IL. Kevin was extremely proud of his military service and his two enlisted grandchildren, who served and are currently serving.

Kevin will be dearly missed by his four children, Ryan Lambert of Shannon, IL, Laurie (Michael) Watts of Richlands, NC, Stephanie Lambert of Atlanta, GA, and Drew Lambert of Fort Myers, FL; seven grandchildren, Alexis Burnett, Colin Lambert, Mason Lambert, Cierra Burnett, Kennedy Watts, Carson White, and Gunner Watts; two siblings, John (Judy) Lambert of Oklahoma, and Nancy (Doug) Hollister of Rockford, IL. Kevin is preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn, and his parents, John and Phyllis.