John E. Locke, Sr.
John E. Locke Sr., honest, humble, and beloved family man, died March 1, 2024, at the age of 81. A lifetime resident of Charlotte, John was born May 2, 1942, to Rowland and Doris (Wonser) Locke. In 1961 he married Judith Ludwig and they worked side-by-side on their dairy farm for 62 years. While he wasn’t always politically correct, he loved to make others smile and was a jokester, loving to pick on his friends. John was very active with 4-H, FFA, and Farm Bureau, and was the fun dad and grandpa, with the kids always wanting to be where he was and do whatever he did.
John was also one of the guys that people would go to when they needed help. He was a 4-H leader, Farm Bureau FSA committee member, volunteered at his church and at the Eaton County Senior Center, and received several awards for his active participation in so many organizations over the years. John was a humble, fair and honest man, loving the Lord and living his life in a way that showed others what being a Christian really means.
John will be greatly missed by many people who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife or 62 years, Judith; children, John Locke Jr. (Tuttie Gulett), Jeffrey (Angie) Locke, Lisa (Greg) Wylie; son-in-law, Roger (Nanette) Harris; grandchildren Jesse (Natlie) Harris, Elizabeth (TJ) Smith, Sarah (Chris) Johnston, Kendall (Alex) Dubois, Brittany (Alex) Ambrosius, Paige (Justin) Hall, Chelsea (Joshua) Ramirez, Lindsey (Ben) Walker, Joshua Locke, Justin Locke, Brett (Haidyn) Heikes, and Sharlene (Nick) Tekrony; 17 great-grandchildren; siblings, Leone Bust and Duane (Sharon) Locke; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by daughter, Cynthia Harris; brother, Elwin Locke; and brother-in-law, Don Bust.
Friends are encouraged to support John’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, March 5, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Wednesday, March 6, at Crossroads United Brethren Church in Charlotte. The funeral as webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on John’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Agricultural Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.