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William Locker Obituary
passed away Friday, March 17, 2017. He was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana to Warren W. and Florence (Johnson) Locker. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jo Anne (Gregg) Locker and his siblings, Theodore Locker, James Locker and Florence Joan Locker. He is survived by his four children, Amy Locker, Gregg Locker, Lisa Locker (David) Christian and Peter L. (Michelle) Locker, his five grandchildren, Emmylou (Matthew) Spence, William E. Locker II, Annamarie Locker, Samantha Harmon Lovins and Katie Jo Hunt, and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his twin sister, Marabelle Locker (Robert) Vore.
Bill was in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. After graduating from Ball State University with his Master's in Education he was a devoted teacher at IPS School 39, Tech High School, Butler University, Mary Castle Elementary and Amy Beverland Elementary and was an IHSAA Official from 1972-2016. He was a Camp Director at Lutheran Hills, a baseball coach, volunteer, painter, potter, photographer, birdhouse builder and member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church just to name a few. Through these activities he touched many lives and knew no strangers. Not to mention, he grew the best tomatoes in the state of Indiana.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 24 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 5 - 8 at the same location. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 7725 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46240 or Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 526 E. 52nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46205.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Locker
Chuck Koeppen
August 21, 2017
Bill Locker was a great person. He will be sorely missed by all of those in the running/officiating community. He was always so open and friendly. The sports world needs more people like him. He will be missed by all of those fortunate to have known him. My thoughts and prays are with his family and loved ones.
March 23, 2017
I have many wonderful memories of Bill and will miss him so much. The Johnson reunion won't be the same without him. I'm thankful that I have some of his birdhouse and several pictures that he took with his ever present camera. My prayers are with the family. Bill was a wonderful, fun cousin. Sheryl (Sheri) Cook
March 23, 2017
So sorry to hear about Bill. He will be missed by many. Will miss him at the Johnson reunion. Glad I have some of his birdhouse and a lot of good memories. Love, cousin Jane Irwin
Marty Benson
March 21, 2017
Truly one of my heroes and role models. He got me into track officiating when I was unemployed and needed a lift. He taught me how to do it and gave me the equipment and the confidence necessary. He had a way with people of every age. He was never intimidating but never intimidated. He had unmatched enthusiasm and energy. He was one of a kind. The world will not be the same without him, but it is better because of him.
May 2015
Liz Sackers
March 21, 2017
Bill Locker will be forever missed in the sport of Track & Field. His dedication and love for the sport was evident by his 40 years of participation. The Hamilton County meet will not be the same without him. RIP my kind friend.
March 21, 2017
Martin Sarvich - Great friend and swim ref.- all the kids enjoyed his kindness and that great smile he always wore!
March 21, 2017
Bill was always a kind man and a true gentleman. The Hamilton County Track Meet will not be the same without him. His dedication to others will always make an impact with me. God bless.
Jimmy Inskeep, Carmel HS
March 21, 2017
fine gentleman, always willing to help. would call with excellent suggestions. was good to see him at athletic events. he made things happen. I believe he designed the gym at Ami beverland. will miss him and his pleasantness.GOD be with him.
March 21, 2017
Please accept my sincerest condolences. Bill was a fine man and good friend. He will be missed.
Eadie Barrie
Martha (Fields) Belica
March 21, 2017
Great teacher. School 39 Class of 1960 He changed lives and was loved by his students. Heaven has another angel.
Carolyn Waters
March 20, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr, Locker. I went to school #39 and graduated in 1962. Mr. Locker was the boys PE teacher and taught a health class. He was funny and had a unique way of making the unruly boys behave. He was well respected and one of the most loved teachers there.
Dee and Jim Simpson
March 20, 2017
We were amazed at the many skills and talents that Bill shared. How many lovely birdhouses did he make in his years, and how many did he give away? He shared so many stories and adventures with us. We loved him and Jo and miss them greatly as so many at Bethlehem Lutheran Church do as well.
Bill T
March 20, 2017
Bill was a kind and generous man. He officiated me when I was a kid, while an athlete in college, and we worked together as officials. I've known him for as long as I can remember and he was definitely 'one of the good ones.'You will be missed, Bill. Condolences to the family on your loss.
Michelle Zimmerman
March 20, 2017
I knew Bill through his volunteering at the ISBVI greenhouse. He always came in full of life and with a big smile. He often had a joke as well. Bill always asked me how I was doing and also how my father was doing as. I have several of his birdhouses and cherish everyone. We all had been missing him and only recently had found out he was so sick. I am blessed to have had him in my life and will miss his smiling face for years to come. Family: I'm so sorry for your loss of both your parents now. You are in my and ISBVI'S greenhouse family thoughts and prayers.
Drew Geiser
March 20, 2017
Bill had a fantastic way with people and he was an excellent role model for me as I was growing up at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He took great interest in kids and their interests - definitely important in the growth of many like me.
Becky Ottinger
March 20, 2017
Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I got to know Bill back in my college days and continued seeing him throughout my teaching and coaching career. He was such a supportive person. Heaven gained a worker.
Greta Gorsuch-Tamarri
March 19, 2017
Prayers for you and your family. He was my gym teacher at Mary Castle Elementary and was always one of my favorite teachers. He inspired me to compete at track competitions and was always cheering all of us on. There are many that will remember him this way, what a legacy to leave!
Shelley Hoskins Rhinesmith
March 19, 2017
Mr Locker! We had such fun in PE class at Mary Castle! I was blessed to continue to see him as an adult as I coached swimming and my kids were swimmers, he often was a starting official at meets and he always took time to talk with me. He will be missed. He touched many lives!
Dottie Harmon
March 19, 2017
To The Locker Family:
Bill was a very kind and generous man. He was a wonderful teacher and friend. My late husband, Jack, had him as a teacher at 39 and Tech. Jack painted with Bill and they were referees together. A life long friend to all the Harmon family. He will be missed. Our sincerest sympathy to all your family,
Dottie (Panhorst) and Family
David Gill
March 19, 2017
Amy I am sorry to hear of your fathers passing. I lost my dad March 1st and it was and not is an easy thing to accept. My condolences to you and the family.
Sharon Murphy
March 19, 2017
So sorry to hear about your dad! Prayers with you and your family!
March 19, 2017
Bill Locker was one of the kindest men I have ever known. Always going out of his way for others, he was one of a kind. Condolences to the Locker family. Judy (Brown) Gates
MILDA GOGULIS
March 19, 2017
to the locker family sorry for your loss your father was a wonderful person
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