Stuart Carlton "Stu" Locklin

1928 - 2016

Locklin, Stuart (Stu) Carlton

Stuart (Stu) Carlton Locklin, age 88, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, December 4, 2016 in Albuquerque, NM. Stu was born on July 22, 1928 in Appleton, WI, to parents Howard and Elsie (Wickeham) Locklin. Stu was the oldest of three brothers Maurice (Mory) and Ronald. He was inspired in grade school by his teacher Sister Davide to a lifelong devotion to Mary and the Catholic Faith. He attended high school at Appleton High (West), where he excelled academically and athletically.

In 1946, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin on an athletic scholarship. He earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree there. He also earned three letters in football and baseball before signing a professional baseball contract with the Cleveland Indians organization in 1949.

During the next three years "Lefty" Locklin quickly worked his way up the Indians, with successful stops in Dayton, Ok. City, and San Diego. However, with the ongoing Korean War, Stu enlisted in the Air Force and served from 1952 to 1954. Stu was stationed at Lockborne AFB in Columbus, OH. He was on the Air Force baseball team, where he was coached by his life-long friend and future Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. Mr. Steinbrenner introduced Stu to Judy Loomer, whom Stu would marry in Boston in 1955. They had seven children, Sharon, Stuart Edward, foster son Charles Huycke, Leanne, Stephen, Brian Christopher, and Karen.

After the Air Force, Stu returned to the Indians, where he made his Major League debut in 1955 and continued with the team into the 1956 season until injured. After 1956, Stu continued to play baseball professionally for five more years in Indianapolis, Miami, Minneapolis, and San Diego.

After his baseball career, Stu and his family returned to Appleton. Stu served as a teacher, coach, and guidance counselor at Einstein Middle School until his retirement in 1987. He also coached numerous local athletic teams and served as a coordinator of the City's youth baseball program. Stu had deep roots of service and charity in Appleton. He and Judy were proud and active members of various church organizations in Appleton, including Legion of Mary, St. Joseph's Keen-Agers, Sacred Heart and St. Mary's Parishes. After retirement, he and Judy continued their church service at a church-owned retirement community in Wedron, IL.

He moved to Albuquerque in 2005 where he resided until the Lord took him home. His kind, compassionate, and generous spirit were a light and a role model to many. At the end, he shared his gratefulness to God for the blessing of a life graced by faith, family, and friends by stating "it's beautiful!"

Stu was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Elsie, his brothers Ronald and Mory, his wife Judy, and children Matthew and Chuck. He is survived by children Sharon Locklin (Ken Heer) of Green Bay; Stuart E. Locklin of Albuquerque; Leanne Locklin (Lisa Gomez) of Albuquerque; Stephen Locklin (Lisa Hanson) of Green Bay; Brian Locklin (Diane Wisor) of Albuquerque; Karen Cantoja (Al) of Albuquerque; grandchildren Shandra Shears, Lorenzo Cantoja, Jazmarie Wisor, Leonard Garcia, and Brian Van Denzen (Liz) along with great-granddaughter Lucia.

A Rosary beginning at 8:30AM and Mass of the Resurrection at 9:00AM will be held Tuesday, December 13 at Holy Family Church, 562 Atrisco Drive SW, Albuquerque, NM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Holy Family St. Vincent de Paul, Albuquerque, NM or the charity of your choice. While his spirit now lives in heaven, his earthly remains will return to Wisconsin for interment next to his beloved wife this summer, with further details to be announced at a later time.