Robert Wallace Locke

Robert Wallace Locke Robert Wallace Locke died on November 12, 2018, in Overland Park, Kansas. He was 91 years old. He was an entrepreneurial engineer who founded Locke Equipment Company, now based in Olathe, KS. As a young man he was so eager to defend his country that he lied about his age to join the U.S. Marines Corps. That experience became a defining moment in his life, and he served twice, both in the Pacific and Korea. He learned loyalty, teamwork, and hard work in the Marines. It also became a time when he learned to live and work with people who had very different backgrounds than his. His natural curiosity enabled him to connect with strangers throughout his life on planes, in bars, even over the air on his old CB radio, where he met strangers who would become hunting buddies. Always known for his sense of humor and adventure, he pursued many passions. He loved boating and sailed in the Caribbean, taught his children to water ski on area lakes, and loved visiting Table Rock Lake, where one of his most memorable accomplishments was the sinking of his two-story pontoon boat. He had an affinity towards apartment-sized cars and was an early adopter of car phones. Never wanting to miss a call, he hooked up his bag-size phone to his car's horn and lights, so it would honk and blink whenever a call came in. He loved his horses, dogs and family vacations in Colorado, and even found time to be a Boy Scout leader. In his later years his hobbies included advising inattentive customer service representatives on doing their jobs better; his family apologizes for any calls that included a poor choice of language. He leaves behind eight children: Timothy Robert Locke, who with his wife JoLynn Van Tassel Locke took over leadership of Locke Equipment Sales after his retirement; Linda Locke; Debby Locke (and Lyle Dechant); Cynthia (and Mike) Lackner; Nancy (and Josh) Rolock; Katie Locke; Mary Ann (and Reid) Wilson; and Jan (and John) Wong, as well as 11 grandchildren: Mike Locke, Steve Locke, Diane Lackner, Maggie Ellinger-Locke; Martin Ellinger, Reiny Rolock, Mylee Rolock, Annabel Pulman, Rosie Wilson, Kerry Wilson, and Isabella Wong, and four great-grandchildren. Two children preceded him in death: Diane Locke and John Locke. His first wife Mary Janet O'Neill Locke, also preceded him in death. He was divorced from Eileen Scroggie Locke. He leaves behind many beloved family and friends throughout the Kansas City area and the country. His family wishes to thank the many people who called, visited, and entertained him over the last couple of years. A rosary will be said in his memory at 9:30 AM on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Paola, KS, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 AM. Burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Paola. He leaves behind many beloved family and friends throughout the Kansas City area and the country. His family wishes to thank the many people who called, visited, and entertained him over the last couple of years. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Veterans Emergency Transportation Service in Paola, KS, a 501(c)3 organization. He helped start the organization which transports veterans to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Kansas City, MO. Please include a note that your gift is meant for the VETS Program, and send it to the American Legion Post 156, P.O. Box 126, Paola, KS 66071. Many thanks for your generosity and support.