OBITUARY

Benjamin Paul Lamke, Jr. of St. Clair, MO, known to all as Paul, departed this life in Creve Coeur, MO on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, having reached the age of fifty-nine years, two months and twenty-seven days. Paul was born in Sullivan, MO on November 28, 1966, son of Benjamin Paul Lamke, Sr., known to all as Benny, and Ethel Marie Lamke nee Strauser. Thirty years ago he began sharing his life with Linda Sue Cook nee Montgomery and their happiness endured until his passing.

Paul is survived by his companion, Linda Cook of St. Clair, MO; by his father, Benny Lamke, Sr. of Union, MO; by his siblings, Charles Lamke and wife, Debbie, of Washington, MO and Paula Miller and husband, Jeff, of Union, MO; by his brother-in-law, Kenny Montgomery and wife, Sandy, of St. Clair, MO; by his nieces, Kylie Lamke, Shelby Anderson and husband, Austin, and Autumn Miller; by his great-niece, Erica Anderson; by his great-nephew, Emmett Anderson; by cousins and many friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel Lamke; and by his brother-in-law, Danny Montgomery.

Paul was a Christian, being raised in the Baptist faith and believing in the Lord as his Savior. During his working career he was employed by Brown Shoe Company in Union, MO as a custodian and machine operator. In his younger years he enjoyed going fishing and hunting. Paul also enjoyed playing video games and watching cartoons on television. Although he had no children of his own, he loved his nieces and nephews very much. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will be cherished by them all forever.

A kind and loving companion, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and treasured friend, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 PM Monday, March 2, 2026 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO with Rev. Raymond Laramore officiating. A private committal will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.