Evan Charles Lamb, 96, of Batavia, NY, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at the NYS Veterans’ Home in Batavia. Born on May 9, 1927 in Darien, NY, he was the son of the late Henry and Ida (Welker) Lamb. He is preceded in death by siblings, Elsie, Leslie, Kenneth, Roland and Gerald, and sisters-in-law, Margaret, Marian, Carolyn and Grace.
Evan spent his youth cultivating his academic, athletic, and musical talents while working on the family’s dairy farm. He started his academic career in a one room school house before moving onto the Corfu Central School system and graduating as the class valedictorian. He was often recognized for excellence in his agricultural studies and won the Empire Farmer Award in 1944. A natural born leader, Evan was President of his Senior Class of 1945, the local, Genesee County and NYS Chapters of Future Farmers of America and the Genesee County 4-H Club Council. He also excelled in a variety of sports, lettering in basketball, baseball and track as well as being the captain of the track team.
Evan joined the US Army in 1945 as part of the last draft for WWII, serving in the Army marching band playing the tuba and in the Army dance band playing the bass viol. In 1946 on Armistice Day, he had the honor of playing in the Army band marching down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC. While based in Fort Bliss, TX, he met the love of his life, Hazel Vonceil Self. They were married in Dallas, TX on August 27,1949, honeymooned in Niagara Falls, and made their way to Western NY where they settled and raised their family.
Evan received his Bachelor’s degree from Cornell’s Agriculture school in 1951. He was a proud member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and President of the Ho-Nun-Ee-Kah, the honorary society for men majoring in agriculture. He went on to receive a Master’s degree in History/Secondary Education from the University of Buffalo in 1962.
He began his career as a dairy farmer in Darien, NY working in partnership with brother Gerald and was named Outstanding Young Farmer of Genesee County in 1959. Upon completing his Master’s degree, he moved his family to Attica, NY and taught American History at Attica High School for four years. In 1966, Evan made yet another significant career move and joined the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company where he served the next 40 years as a trusted financial advisor to hundreds of clients. He achieved many honors and recognition over the years while at Mass Mutual.
Evan showcased his versatile musical talents throughout his life - playing the bass viol in various dance and jazz bands during the ‘50’s and ‘60’s. A beloved member of his community, he was a faithful member of the Attica Trinity United Methodist Church for 55 years where he served in a variety of lay leadership roles, taught Sunday School, sang in the church choir as well as served as the choir director for several years. Evan was also an avid gardener, golfer and enjoyed traveling across the US, Europe and South America with Vonceil and close friends. When visiting France, he went to Normandy to see where brother Roland landed in the second wave on Omaha Beach. Two of Evan’s grandsons and one granddaughter-in-law have also proudly served their country as members of the Army, Navy and Marines.
Evan is lovingly remembered for his innate leadership, outgoing personality, sense of humor, exemplary work ethic, strong Christian faith and devotion to family, church and community. He was known for his generosity and always looked for ways to help his family, friends and neighbors.
Evan is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Hazel Vonceil, and children, Natalie (David) Paradowski of Colden, NY; Merely (Michael) Krol of Churchville, NY; Timothy (Susan) Lamb of West Falls, NY; bonus daughter Anita (Jose Pedro) Deiderich of Trinidad, Bolivia, SA; five grandchildren, Marisa (Daniel) Esler, Ryan (Natalie) Lamb, Grayson (Rebekah) Krol, Ethan Paradowski and Robert Lamb; two great-grandchildren, Hudson Krol and Mira Esler; and many nieces and nephews.
There will be no prior calling hours. All are invited to attend Evan’s Celebration of Life Graveside Ceremony on Saturday, June 15 at 11:00 AM at the Darien Cemetery 1738 Broadway Rd. Darien, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011 or the Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.
