J.W. Locklear

J.W. (Jake) Locklear, beloved husband, father and grandfather went to be with our Lord, Jesus Christ on Friday December 21, 2012. We love him dearly but he now resides in heaven with his beloved wife Claudine who preceded him in death on September 19, 2012. Heaven truly has another guardian angel. Jake was born January 19, 1927 in Killeen and is preceded in death by his parents George O. and Rhoda Lee Powers Locklear and two brothers Udell and L.P. 'Sweet Pete' Locklear and one sister Georgia Hope Taylor.

Jake attended Killeen high school where he helped lead the Kangaroos to an undefeated season in 1944. After playing his last game, he joined the Navy and served during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Jake worked in the Belton area until making the hard decision to move his family in 1952 to Pasadena and accept employment at Ethyl Corporation. He stayed with the company for 44 years before retiring in 1996. Jake was a passionate Texas Longhorn and sports fan. This love of sports was passed along to his four sons and daughter. He was deeply involved in youth baseball not only coaching his sons but hundreds of other young men. Jake and his wife Claudine were instrumental in starting little league baseball in Deepwater. He served the community for over 50 years as a master mason. His family was his life, especially his wife of 65 years. Jake married Claudine Francis Rhoads on August 30, 1947 at the First Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA. He missed her dearly and is now reunited with her in death as they were in marriage, family and life.

Jake is survived by his brother Bill Locklear; sister Mary Ellen Golden; sisters in law Inez Locklear, Ima Locklear, Vergie Nell Arnette and Pat Rhodes: sons Johnny Wayne Locklear and wife Babs of Deer Park, Tx.; Jimmy Gayle Locklear and wife Melodye of Dallas, Tx.; Danny Jake Locklear and wife Jill of Farmers Branch, Tx.; Teddy Doak Locklear of Deer Park, Tx.; and daughter, Janice Faye Locklear Hurst and husband Don of Deer Park, Tx.

Blessed with fifteen surviving grandchildren, Karen Locklear, Stafford, Tx.; J.T. Locklear, Rowlett, Tx.; Jeffrey Locklear and wife Sylvia, Deer Park, Tx.; Tyesha Locklear, Deer Park, Tx.; Sheri Kunovich and husband, Bob, Dallas, Tx.; Chance Locklear and wife Alyssa, College Station, Tx.; Austin Locklear and wife Danielle of Austin, Tx.; Wade Locklear of Dallas, Tx.; Lindsay Locklear of Dallas, Tx.; Jason Huston and wife Stephanie of Dallas, Tx.; Jennifer Swanson and husband Alex of Cedar Park, Tx.; Jake Locklear and wife Missy of Manvel, Tx.; Tim Locklear and wife Lynnsey of Deer Park, Tx.; Lori Lomax and husband Howard of Humble, Tx.; and Rachel MacKenzie of Deer Park, Tx. Jake is also survived by fifteen great grandchildren; Sofie and John Wesley Locklear; Zoe and Xavier Kunovich; Cade Locklear; Fletcher, Breanne and Katie Huston; Vaughn and Danny Swanson; Maddie, Maren and Michael Doak Locklear; Colt and Jordan Lomax; along with two more angels on the way.

Visitation will be at Rosewood Funeral Home 3939 Pasadena Blvd. in Pasadena, Tx on Thursday, December 27, 2012 from 4-6 PM followed by a Memorial Service at 6 PM.

Interment will be on Friday, December 28, 2012 at 2 PM at North Belton Cemetery in Belton, Texas.