Tom Lamb- ertson, 82, died Tuesday, June 23, 2009, in San Antonio. He was a long-time resident of Port Aransas and was named Boatman of the Year in 1990.

Lambertson was born in Mercedes on July 26, 1926, to Joe and Fannie Lambertson.

At age 18, Lambertson enrolled in the University of Oklahoma as an officer candidate. While there, he met his future wife, Francelle Rice. They were married on the same day he graduated as an ensign.

Lambertson went on to study Naval science and to submarine school. While on destroyer duty, as part of his training he took part in the nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll.

After serving on four submarines, Lambertson, by now a lt. commander, was given command of the Diablo in 1961. He spent 20 years in the navy.

In 1968 he was transferred by the Southwest Research Institute to Corpus Christi, then taught at Del Mar College. In 1969, he began running charter boats in the summers and on weekends in Port Aransas.

He and Francelle moved to Port Aransas in 1984.

Throughout his fourth career, as charter boat captain, Lambertson was active in the Port Aransas Boatmen’s Association. He was instrumental in computerizing the Boatmen’s records, helped obtain tax-exempt status for the organization and helped to change the trophy system of the Deep Sea Roundup.

Lambertson won the Deep Sea Roundup the same year he was named Boatman of the Year.

Lambertson is survived by his wife Francelle Lambertson of San Antonio; a son, Keith Lambertson of Oregon; a daughter, Barbara (Bill) Scott of Austin, and a granddaughter, Molly Scott of Austin.

A memorial service was held at the Army Residence Center chapel in San Antonio on Tuesday, June 30.

Condolences may be sent to 2203 Peninsula Dr., San Antonio, TX 78328.