Michael Stephen Locker

Michael Stephen Locker, 63, of Midland, Texas passed away unexpectedly on March 8, 2015.

Michael was born in Lawrence, Kansas to Fran and Walt Locker on October 12, 1951. He graduated from Putnam City High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He received his Bachelor's degree from Oklahoma State University. While working on his degree, he also pursued officer's training school. Upon graduation, he enlisted as an officer in the U.S. Navy where he flew A1 fighter jets. Because of his close ties to his family and his desire to pursue a career in the oil industry he returned to Midland, Texas where he joined his uncle, George Locker, at Buckeye, Inc. In 1997 he assumed controlling ownership of Buckeye, Inc. and The Artesia Lumber Company and soon expanded his corporate interests to include Mattlock Drilling, Briley Trucking and Black Swan Energy. His loyal Buckeye family meant the world to him and many of his employees have been with him for decades.

In addition to professional endeavors, Michael's true passion was the outdoors. Michael's pursuit of hunting and fishing led him to all corners of the world. The fascination began as a young child and remained with him his entire life. He instilled this legacy in both his daughters and his grandchildren. Michael always invited his family and friends to join him and his wife on his many hunting and fishing adventures. Mike combined his attention to detail and pursuit of excellence to achieve his own heaven on earth at Crosshair Ranch. He liked to share this oasis and derived great pleasure from teaching and hosting his many loved ones. In the last few years he enjoyed a passionate relationship with his fly rod.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Fran and Walt Locker.

Michael is survived by his wife, Marjorie McLaughlin Locker, his daughter, Laura Locker Johnson and her husband, Sterling Holt Johnson, and their children, Locker, Sam, and Elizabeth, his daughter Alex Locker Bryant and her children, Michael Tucker and Jack, his five furry hunting dogs, his Buckeye family and his two brothers and one sister.

The funeral service will be held at 1:30 pm, March 16, 2015 at St Ann's Catholic Church. Honorary pallbearers are Kevin Blonkvist, Robby Christenson, Terry Copeland, Terry Carpenter, Bob Gaines, Holt Johnson, Albert Metcalfe, Chan Price, George Tucker, Jim Walton, Pat Whitaker and Barry Willingham.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Trinity School Capital Campaign or to the charity of one's choice.

This world has lost the most loving, intelligent man whose generosity was unparalleled.