Dallas Gene Lokay

Dallas Gene Lokay, 91, of McDonald, South Fayette Township, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 1, 2025 in the VA Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Dallas was born on August 3, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, a son of the late Henry Edward and Ilean Meritta Feay Lokay.
Mr. Lokay loved a good adventure. That adventure could be mental, physical, or spiritual, and whichever it may be, Dallas was always game for it. As a young man, Dallas began planning the adventure of a lifetime: a 61,000-mile world adventure. Beginning in 1959, Dallas hitchhiked through 49 countries with $364 in his pocket. He traveled through Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Asia, and through the heart of Africa: Cairo to Capetown overland. This adventure was so monumental that Dallas decided it needed to be shared with the world. In 2012, he published his memoir, "Around the World on a Dollar a Day," which recounts his journey step-by-step.
As life went on, the adventures never stopped. Dallas was a proud United States Army veteran, serving during the Korean War. Dallas retired after a successful career as a nuclear engineer for Westinghouse, where his dedicated leadership of the firm's Philippines project was a highlight of his tenure. In 1978, Dallas married the love of his life, his wife, Vivian, and began an adventure better than any love story ever written. Known to their family as "D and V," they were inseparable best friends. Dallas and Vivian built the picture-perfect life they had always dreamt of together and treasured their three children and five grandchildren. In retirement, Dallas went on another trip of a lifetime, this time with his wife. They spent seven years traveling around North America in their motorhome and creating unforgettable memories.
When he wasn't on the move, Dallas enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He was your typical Pittsburgh man. He loved his Pittsburgh Steelers, win or lose. Dallas also enjoyed hunting, working on puzzles, and playing cards and games. Crazy Eights and Mexican Train dominoes were favorites of his. He loved spending time with his grandkids, especially during campouts and trips to Disney.
Dallas was an extraordinary husband, father, and grandfather. He made friends everywhere he went and touched many lives.
He is survived by his wife, Vivian Palmer Lokay; his daughter, Shelly (Jim) Kolesky; his sons by his first marriage to the former Melissa Haynes, Paul (Lori) Lokay and Mark (Karen) Lokay; and his grandchildren, Joseph, Andrew, Kendall, Ryan, and Jimmy.
Along with his parents, Dallas is preceded in death by all of his siblings, Myrna Keith, Hank Lokay, Joseph Lokay, and his twin sister, Doris Munson.
Friends and family will be received on Sunday, February 9, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. at Thomas-Little Funeral Service, Inc. and Crematory, 5000 Noblestown Rd., Oakdale (724-693-2800). A service will be held following visitation at 6 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will occur at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.