Francis Theodore “Ted” Lambasio was called home to the Lord on August 18, 2025.
Ted was born July 9, 1940, in Abingdon, Illinois to Francis Frank Lambiaso (from New Castle, PA) and Darlene Hazel Katherine (Freeburg) Lambiaso, (from Bushnell, IL).
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Carl Lindon Taylor and Frank Eugene Lambiaso, sister Julia Mae Taylor, sister-in-law Judy Lambiaso, and brother-in-law, Junior Taylor.
Surviving is his wife, Lovina E. Lambasio, sons, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, sisters Marlene Lambiaso of Winter Springs, FL and Darlene Crites (Daryl) of Clarksville, TN, sister-in-law, Betty Taylor of Galesburg, IL, and nieces and nephews.
Ted was raised in Abingdon, IL and graduated in 1958 from Abingdon High School. After graduation he enlisted and served in the US Air Force for 30 years. During his time in the Air Force, he earned his pilot’s license, and his passion for flying would last his lifetime. Before beginning his career at the Canton Airport in 1997, Ted worked as a mail carrier in Abingdon, filling station attendant, loading dock at Butlers, as a draftsman for an engineer, and Admirals. Ted began working as a flying instructor in 1975 at the Tri County Airport and Galesburg Airport. Ted and Lovina started their own business located at the Canton Airport, TWL, where he was a flight instructor, IA mechanic, and fixed based operator. Ted loved flying and loved teaching others how to fly. Some of his favorite students being his sons, granddaughter, and grandson. During his years of flight instruction, he helped 138 students get their own pilot’s license. Ted was a member of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) in Monmouth and Canton. As much as he loved to fly airplanes, he also enjoyed making model airplanes, decorative airplane propellers and Aircraft propellers, and showing all of his grandchildren how to make paper airplanes.
Ted loved God and his family more than anything. He was an active member and Deacon of the Calvary Baptist Church in Canton, IL. He was a man whose life was rooted in his faith. He built a firm foundation of faith for his family to grow on. He spent each day studying his Bible and praying with his wife.
Ted married his wife, Lovina Emaline (Mack) Lambasio on January 1, 1961, at the Methodist Church in Abingdon, IL. Ted and Lovina loved celebrating their love for one another with gifts, special dinners, and plane rides over their favorite places. Ted and Lovina have four children, Lovina Mae (Kevin Kane) Kirkpatrick of Antelope, CA, Theodore Eugene Lambasio (Julie Ann) of Gilson, IL, Christel Suzanne Lambasio (Beau Justin Anderson) of Abingdon, IL, and Samual Guy Lambasio (Brandi Noelle) of Galesburg, IL. Ted has 11 grandchildren, 22 and one on the way great grandchildren, and 1 great-great granddaughter.
Ted will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He will be missed by many, but his legacy of serving the Lord, serving our country, and soaring the skies will live on in all who were touched by his life.
The visitation will be Sunday, August 24, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Abingdon Chapel. The funeral will take place Monday, August 25th at 10:00 a.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church in Canton with a graveside service following at the Abingdon Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the Abingdon American Legion Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Calvary Baptist Church in Canton, IL. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date at the Ingersol Airport in Canton.
