John Robert Locke

John Robert Locke, 91, of Dripping Springs, Texas, died on October 12, 2024.

He was born in Norman, Oklahoma on August 18, 1933 to Alfred Locke and Helen Hutchins. He married Carla Gay Saunders on February 26, 1953, in Ogden, Utah, and was sealed to her in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 21, 1960.

John spent his childhood in Norman, Oklahoma and his teenage years in Gonzales, Texas. He joined the Air Force on April 27, 1951 to be an electronics mechanic, specializing on repairing airplane cameras. John served during the Korean War and Vietnam War. He was deployed to Thailand, Korea, Panama, Iceland, and France.

John met Carla while stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. When he picked her up for their first date, two ward missionaries were seated in Carla’s living room. After that, every time John picked up Carla for a date, members of Carla’s church were there ready to teach John the gospel. John recounted that he was willing to give up his “wicked ways,” such as smoking and drinking, and join the LDS Church because of Carla’s influence and his love for her. “And I never regretted it,” he reminisced. After marrying, John and Carla made the Air Force their home and career. Every three years they moved bases.

Together, John and Carla raised nine children, along with many friends of those nine. Reflecting on how his father parented, John’s son, Jack, recollects: “Dad went to all my football, basketball, and baseball games. And whether the team won or lost, Dad would always take me to McDonald’s afterward.”

Another son, John Jr., recounts: “Looking back on my dad’s life, his two greatest accomplishments I can point out are that he was a man after God’s heart and a man who gave his heart to all. He chased after God as a child chases after everything: joyfully. He served his church joyfully and obediently. He served his family joyfully and lovingly. He served his country through two wars and 20+ years joyfully. Anything that was within his power to give or do for his church, his family, or his country, he would offer. He gave me the greatest gift for my 14th birthday. My older brothers were into motocross, and on that birthday I wanted a pair of motocross boots. The problem, however, was that the only pair of boots available were two sizes too big. But I wanted them. Although it wouldn’t be practical and it was a waste of money, my dad purchased them anyway, knowing that it would bring me joy. He did it out of love. I didn’t know it then, but I know it now that that was the greatest gift he ever gave me–his unconditional love. And although he is no longer with us, his gift of love remains.”

John’s daughter, Jean, remembers, “ While living with my dad, each night we had an hour of father/daughter time watching my favorite soap opera. Daddy really got into the soap opera with me. Mama would leave the room, and Daddy and I would watch the TV together.”

Another daughter, Jeri, recalls, “My dad left me with the remembrance of how he was so much devoted to and in love with my mom. My dad had some regrets about things in his life, but he never regretted loving my mom and building a life with her. He often said he was glad he gave her the children that she wanted.”

John had many loves, including photography, film development, cooking, and cookies. He enjoyed taking everyone to Six Flags or Sea World when grandkids came to town.

Because John was in the Air Force, his children got to experience life in many places and they feel grateful for that opportunity. They also admire that Daddy graciously and without any hesitation took Charlie and Danny Otero and Carmen Montoya into their home. “Although it is sad to have to say goodbye now to our dad, we all know that he has reunited with our mother who is the love of his life.”

John is predeceased by his parents, Alfred Locke and Helen Hutchins, and his brothers, Jerry and Jimmy Locke. He is survived by his sister, Janice Locke; his children JeanMarie Locke, JanaLee (Curtis) Hankins, JoiAnn (Kenny) Solt, JeriLynne (Leonard) Lamb, Jack Alfred (Jennifer) Locke, John Albert (Jennie) Locke, Charlie Otero, Danny (Tina) Otero, and Carmen (Leonard) Montoya; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 26th, 2024, at 1 p.m. CT at the Austin Texas Oak Hill Stake Center, 5201 Convict Hill Rd in Austin, with a live stream broadcast for those who want to join remotely. https://zoom.us/j/94835604320