Floyd Charles Locker

Floyd Charles 'Bud' Locker was born October 20, 1927 in suburban Detroit, Michigan to Helen and Harold Locker. He joined the Navy upon high school graduation, shortly before the end of World War II and was trained as an Aviation Electronics Technician. He was called back to full-time active duty when the Korean War began, completing seven years of military service.
Bud married Carol Spurr in the spring of 1950 and graduated with a B.A. in Education from Michigan State College in 1953. He later earned a Master of Education from Wayne State University. Bud and Carol raised seven children together, moving to Arizona in 1960. They joined Bethel Baptist Church where Bud taught Sunday School and served on the Board. The family began attending Scottsdale Bible Church in 1968 where Bud sang in the choir along with Carol. Bud taught 6th grade at Pima Elementary School for 36 years. (Many students still say on Facebook posts that he was their favorite teacher.) After retiring, Bud revived his childhood love for the violin becoming one of the first violin players in the new SBC orchestra. He played for 30 years, and with the "Friendly Fiddlers" for nine of those years. His wife, Carol, died in 2009 after 59 years together. He later met Joyce Hayes at SBC and they were married in 2011, adding new joy to Bud's life.
Bud loved Jesus, his family, his church, reading the Bible, playing music, the outdoors, and laughter. His genuine interest in people and ready smile endeared him to all. His steady temperament, humility, and quiet wisdom were fueled by his deep faith and consistent walk with God. He believed in "storing up treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20) which determined the way he lived his life and how he stewarded what God had given him.
Bud was preceded in death by his wife Carol, sister Barbara, and his youngest daughter, Kim. He is survived by Joyce, his beloved wife of 14 years and her family, his brother Jack of Fort Collins, Colorado, his remaining six children and their families, including 21 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.
In his last days, he assured his family he was not in pain. He passed away peacefully at home on October 19, 2025, hours before his 98th birthday. Because of the godly way he lived his life and the kindly influence he had on so many, Bud Locker - Dad, Grandpa, Pops, Great-Grandpa Bud - will be greatly missed.
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants." Psalm 116:15
A Memorial Service with lunch reception will be held Monday, November 17th at 10:00 A.M. at the Scottsdale Bible Church Chapel 7601 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Floyd Charles Locker, please visit our floral store.