Fred Lockhart

Frederick E. Lockhart, age 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Highland District Hospital in Hillsboro, Ohio.

He was born on March 11, 1944, in Loraine, Ohio, to the late Frederick R. Lockhart and Della (May) Lockhart-Schmauch. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karen S. (McNeilan) Lockhart, whom he married on July 12, 1969 and shared 48 years before her passing in October 2017; his stepfather, Henry Schmauch of West Union, his sister, Betty (William) Mahr of Columbus; his brothers, Lance Lockhart of California and Huey Lockhart of Peebles; his sister-in-law, Geneva (John) Dickson; and his brothers-in-law, Harold (Louise) McNeilan, Lawrence (Hazel) McNeilan, and Bobby McNeilan all of West Union.

He is survived by his three daughters: Cassandra "Casey" (Calvin) Daniel of West Union, Angela "Angie" (Jeremy) Bender of Blue Creek, and Stephanie "Nikki" Puckett of West Union.

Fred was a proud and devoted grandfather to Brandon (Courtney) Daniel of West Union, Kayla Bender of Blue Creek, and Lindsey (Tanner) Shirley of West Union, and a loving great-grandfather to Whalen, Clayton, and Claire Daniel. His family was his greatest earthly joy, and he treasured every moment spent with them.

He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Riddell of Peebles and Carla (DeWayne) Polley of Maysville, Kentucky; his brothers, Sheridan (Patty) Lockhart of Peebles and Jimmy (Tina) Schmauch of West Union; along with many nieces and nephews.

Fred worked for many years at the Copeland Factory in West Union before stepping out in faith to start his own business, Lockhart's Heating & Cooling. He built the business from the ground up and faithfully served West Union and the surrounding communities for more than 40 years. He was known for his strong work ethic, honesty, generosity, and the ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone.

Outside of work, Fred greatly enjoyed attending antique car shows and took special pride in bringing his cherished 1965 Mustang-something he truly loved sharing with others.

He shared a truly special bond with his dog, Rosie. When he went to the shelter to adopt a dog, Rosie wasn't even up for adoption-but he knew she was meant to be his and refused to leave without her. From that moment on, the two were inseparable, with Rosie always by his side.

Above all else, Frederick was a man who deeply loved God. His faith guided every aspect of his life. He openly shared God's love, prayed with and for others, and believed it was his calling to bring people closer to the Lord. He pastored a small church in a rented building in West Union and, after many years of prayer and obedience, followed a God-given vision with his wife to build and establish the Pentecostal Highway of Holiness Church in 1992, located on State Route 247 in West Union. His life was a living testimony of faith, devotion, and love for God, his family, and his community.

Services will be held at the Thompson-Meeker Funeral Home, in West Union, on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with funeral services immediately following at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Mike Bender will officiate. Interment will follow at the West Union Cemetery. Services are entrusted to the Thompson-Meeker Funeral Home.

You may sign Fred's online tribute @www.meekerfuneralhomes.com