Who is Alfred Lambert from The Corrections and what is their importance?

Alfred Lambert is the husband of Enid. He is retired from the Midland Pacific Railroad and he spends most of his time at home in their house in St. Jude. He and Enid have three children, all grown. They are Chip, who is a writer, Denise who is an executive chef at an exclusive Philadelphia restaurant and Gary, who is a banker. There are three grandchildren by Gary. Alfred has health problems and spends most of his time sitting in his blue leather chair in the basement. He doesn't have any hobbies or physical activities which is a source of conflict between him and Enid. His health problems result in a body that he can't control and this is difficult for him to cope with. He had been the head of the Engineering Department at the railroad and was used to being obeyed.