AVA, Merle E. Lambert, , of Ava, passed away at 6:12 A.M. Friday, July 08, 2011, at his home in Ava, IL. He was born July 13, 1944 in Jerseyville, Illinois the son of Merle E Lambert and Irene (Stucker) Lambert. Merle married Bona Joan Camerer on August 30, 1970 in Jerseyville, IL. Bona passed away on March 10, 1994. He is survived by his daughter: Diana Brown of DuQuoin, IL; grandchildren: Austin Brown, Cody Delp, and Charity Goodrow; one great grandson: Layden Delp; one brother; one sister: Phyllis Camerer of Jerseyville, IL. He is preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Lambert served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years of service. He was a retired Security Guard at Mental Health, Chester, IL. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 11, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. at Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava. Rev. Cecil Dunning will be officiating. Burial will be at Looney Springs Cemetery in Campbell Hill, IL. Visitation will be on Monday from 11 to 1pm at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, IL. Memorials may be made to Looney Springs Cemetery.