Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Thomas C. Locke

About

Ohio University University of Toledo

Thomas Locke Obituary

Thomas C. Locke, Lieutenant Colonel, USAR, age 54, of Lee's Summit, MO, passed away on April 11, 2005, in his home. A full military funeral service will be held at the Lee's Summit United Methodist Church on April 16, 2005, at 11 a.m., with burial at Lee's Summit Historical Cemetery. Visitation will be at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee's Summit on April 15, 2005, from 5-7 p.m. Thomas Locke was born on Aug. 24, 1950, in Baltimore, MD. He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Masters of Art in Soviet/Russian studies from Ohio University in 1972 and 1973, respectively. He graduated from University of Toledo School of Law in 1978. Tom was a member of the Ohio and Missouri Bar Associations and practiced law for the past 25 years as a military Judge Advocate and as a civilian attorney in Independence, MO, where he was partner in the law offices of Welch, Martin, and Albano, LLC. He served 28 years of active and reserve military duty in the United States Army. His assignment at retirement was as Staff Judge Advocate for the 3rd Corps Support Command where he served as senior legal advisor for a general officer command headquartered in Des Moines, IA, and Weisbaden, Germany. He held leadership positions in the Lee's Summit United Methodist Church and the Jackson County Law Library. He was a loving and generous father, husband, and grandfather who committed his life to his family, his faith, and his country. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kerry and Nora Lee Locke; and his sister, Diana Swayne. Survivors include his wife, Ginny, and their three children, Aaron, Matthew, and Rebecca; and two grandchildren, Gage and Elaina Locke. He is also survived by two brothers, Floyd and James Locke; two sisters, Donna Clary and Jessie Wyly; and his brother-in-law, Roger Swayne. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Thomas C. Locke Scholarship Endowment Fund through the Endowment Fund at the Lee's Summit United Methodist church, Lee's Summit, MO. (Arr; Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd St., Lee's Summit, MO, 816-524-3700).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star on Apr. 13, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Locke

21 Entries

Nicholas Swisher

October 7, 2024

LTC Locke was a great leader. He always treated me with respect and appreciation. I remember visiting him at his house with LTC Tobin when I heard of his health. He was a great asset to the JAG corps and the 8th MLC. My best to the Locke family...Sgt Swisher

Laura Boatright

April 18, 2005

To the friends and family of Thomas C. Locke: I worked for Tom from 1998 through 2000. He was a voice of reason, a moral compass, and a truly honorable man. He reminded me of my father (d. 1991). Tom lectured me often on the importance of moral authority, and that to gain respect from others, you must live a life worthy of receiving it. He did just that. Tom demanded fairness, honesty and integrity from his clients, adversaries and co-workers (and, he was sometimes not much appreciated for the stands that he took against the immorality of others). He was a couragous man, and not afraid to voice his opinions. As I look back at my own life and the qualities that I now strive to maintain, and the character and values I now hold, I know that Tom Locke was a vital ingredient of my past, and someone whose influence has made me a much better person for knowing him. Thank you, Tom. You will always and forever be my favorite boss of all time. Laura

Linda Locke

April 17, 2005

Being married to a twin has been an interesting adventure, but nothing prepared me for what it would be like to watch my husband's look-alike go from the picture of health to sickness and eventually death. Thankfully, we know where Tom is, and we KNOW that

he will be waiting first in line to greet us when we meet again in Heaven. I will miss his jokes, and I will truly miss his phone calls when he pretended to be Floyd, asking, "Where are you? You were supposed to pick me up at Wal-Mart an hour ago!" With voices sounding the same, he actually caught me off guard a few times. We will miss you dear brother, but I am sure if you are able, you are pulling pranks on the angels and God Himself! We will comfort one another in knowing that soon Christ WILL return to gather His Saints, and we will join you in the air to live forever together!

Until then,

Love,

Linda -- Sister-in-law

Sam Locke

April 17, 2005

Uncle Tom was my Dad's identical twin brother. I remember when he would come to visit us, and I would always call him my, "other Daddy," because they looked and sounded exactly alike. When I asked my real Dad to do something, they would both answer me, trying to trick me, and I really couldn't tell them apart. I will miss that. When Uncle Tom would always call us, he would tease me. Eventually, I could tell it was really Uncle Tom. See you in Heaven!

Love,

Sam

Marisa, James, and Shane

April 17, 2005

"Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy." - Unknown

You are in our thoughts and prayers... love,

Rebecca Locke

April 16, 2005

My father was a wonderful man. He was loving, kind, caring, compassionate, generous, smart, funny, hard working, and anything else you could ask for in a father. He always wanted the best for my mom, my brothers, and me. He was also an innocent man. He did not deserve to have lung cancer. He never smoked is his life. But, he was a fighter. When his doctors predicted he would only live six months to a year, he fought day in and day out. He lived three year to the day. He was diagnosed with cancer on April 11, 2002 and he passed away on April 11, 2005. My family and I believe he was hanging on in his last moments just to be able to say that he lived for three years. Words can not describe how much I will miss my dad. He was there for me whenever I needed him, and supported me in everything I did. He could also always make me laugh. But, my father has taught me many things. He has taught me to never give up, and that I can reach any goal I set my mind to. I know that he is very happy up in heaven watching over me and my family. I love you dad. ~Becca

James Locke

April 16, 2005

My brother Tom was a tremendous help to me when I needed it. He and my wife Jackie were fighting cancer at the same time. Tom was a source of encouragement for her when she was depressed and needed someone special to talk to. He was always ready to surprise her with something humorous. I am sure he is still making her smile even in heaven. Tom was a person who would take a dream and make it a reality. I am going to miss him. He taught me that life is short and also precious. From the very beginning he faced his illness straight on, while keeping a positive attitude. Thank you for bing my brother.

DONNA CLARY

April 16, 2005

MY BROTHER THOMAS WAS A GREAT INSPIRATION TO ME OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS. HIS LOVE OF LIFE AND WILL TO FIGHT SUCH A LONG BATTLE ONLY INSPIRED ME TO LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST EACH AND EVERY DAY AND TO TELL THE ONES YOU LOVE HOW YOU FEEL OFTEN. I WILL ALWAYS BE PROUD OF HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND WILL PASS ON TO MY GRANDCHILDREN GREAT AND WONDERFUL STORIES OF MY BROTHER THOMAS.

A PIECE OF YOU WILL ALWAYS REMAIN IN MY HEART. I WILL LOVE YOU ALWAYS. SISTER DONNA LEE

Rita Dubin

April 15, 2005

Ginny:

I never had the pleasure of meeting Tom, but he must have been a good, kind, and smart man. After all, he chose you to share his life. I am so sorry that your family has this loss to face. Please take good care of yourself and your family. Thinking of you,

Rita

Diana, Ron, Jon, Garrett Poorman

April 15, 2005

We will all miss the great humor of Tom and his honor. He was a teaser. In the words of Garrett, "I never knew if he was teasing or not" Tom believed in the way, the truth and the light and he knew and knows there is not end. He is whole again sitting on the right hand of God and we thank him for that. We loved Tom and now will always be there for the ones he left behind. My dear Ginny, my sister: I love you and am always here for you. You were the perfect example of what a wife should be. The Lord will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever flowing spring. Isaiah 58:11

Kids: We love you and you are in our prayers.

cherie von haack

April 13, 2005

I am so sorry to hear that his battle ended. I enjoyed his email jokes every time he felt good enough to send them. Too many years went by without the family joining hands..not enough time to

really get to know him.

I'll miss you my cousin....Cherie

Steve Quinn

April 13, 2005

Since the day I first met Tom many years ago I have always enjoyed working both with and against him. Never in all our years, either working the the Bar or on cases, was there ever a cross word. Tom was a true gentleman lawyer who was always interested in the well being of his clients as demonstrated by the fact that we were still working together on a case only a week or so ago. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Carra Sprague

April 13, 2005

Tom was such a wonderful friend. I admired his wisdom, truthfulness and intelligence. There are very few people in life that you look back and say they made a difference in your life just by being in it. My little girl calls Tom - cousin Tom which shows he made a difference in her young life as well. Tom will be greatly missed by my family and myself. There will always be a spot in my heart for Tom's quest for life and the accomplished goals over the past three years through all of his struggle. I love Tom and Jenny and I know through it all their love shines through. I wish for only the best to the family as well. Carra Sprague

Jim Julliard

April 13, 2005

Tom was one of the most respected members of our hight school class at Lynchburg. Tom was a born leader and very honorable as he left his mark on this world.

Floyd Locke

April 13, 2005

Tom you are my twin, my brother, and my best friend for over 54 years.

I will miss you. Until we will meet again in Heaven.

Your loving brother Floyd

Chris Korth

April 13, 2005

Tom was a great man. I was lucky enough to serve under him on a KCMBA committee. He showed me leadership and a tremendous ability how to work with other people. I learned a lot from him. He will be missed.

Michael Manners

April 13, 2005

Tom, you showed us the meaning of courage. Mike

Angie Foster

April 13, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family. I know he will be greatly missed.

Sheila Lynch

April 13, 2005

Tom was a wonderful neighbor and great attorney with high ethics. I enjoyed our "off the record" discussions we had while doing yard work. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Suzanne Cox

April 13, 2005

Can't think of a finer man, friend, co-worker around. I will miss his gentle spirit, his visits and conversations.

Jay Haden

April 13, 2005

Tom was a great soldier, lawyer, and friend. I'll miss him.

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results