Richard Clarence Lockman, Sr.

Dick was born in Asheville, North Carolina to Jesse P and Elizabeth (Atwell) Lockman. He grew up in West Palm Beach, FL with his predeceased siblings, Charlie, Jack, and Betty Sue.

As a teenager Dick enlisted in the Navy serving several years on the Midway-class aircraft carrier USS Franklin D Roosevelt operating in the Mediterranean Sea. After an honorable discharge from the US Navy, Dick returned to Orlando, Florida and soon afterwards met and married JoAnn Gillion (deceased); they were married for 57 years.

Dick and JoAnn raised four children, Dolores O’Donell, Brenda Smith (Steven), Richard C Lockman, Jr., (Jeannette) and Robert Lockman. He was devoted to his children along with eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. His home and heart was always opened to his family and friends.

After a career of over 30 years with the US Postal Service as a letter carrier and rural route carrier Dick became a Certified Law Enforcement Officer. He served over 32 years with the Orange County Sheriff Office as a Reserve Deputy reaching the rank of Lieutenant. The OCSO became his second family and he devoted so much of himself to community service.

In the 60’s Dick volunteered in the Florida Civil Air Patrol (CAP), reaching the rank of Lt Colonel and served as Assistant Wing Commander leading air and ground search and rescue missions and helping to coordinate support services with local authorities during natural disasters. He was proud of becoming a pilot and had great memories of both the serious side of the CAP as well as the fun stuff, like the spot landing competitions, which he won quite often.

For many years his favorite personal sport was bass fishing…..oh, the tales he could tell and once in a while back them up with a trophy fish!

He was a football fanatic! During the late 60’s early 70’s he became a devoted supporter of Colonial High Schools football team and served as the Dad’s Club President for a time. He created very detailed and accurate scrapbooks of the Grenadier team. He later donated them to CHS.

He and JoAnn owned and operated an aquarium store, JoAnn’s Fish n Clips for a while. They became quite the freshwater exotic fish experts. That passion led Dick to build beautiful outdoor ponds and gardens in his backyard. Becoming active members in the Central Florida Koi Fish Club he raised many beautiful Koi fish that so many continue to enjoy today. They always had a menagerie of pets, dogs, birds, rabbits and even a couple New World Wooly monkeys.

Dick truly lived life to the fullest. A friend and mentor to so many he felt humbled that he could serve such honorable organizations as the Florida Civil Air Patrol and the Orange County Sheriff Office.

He often spoke of the richness of his life by having his beloved family and friends. He’d often share some of his core beliefs of being faithful, committed and loyal and to keep the fire going at all times. A life lived well indeed!

Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha, FL.