Philip Locke

Philip Walker Locke passed away on January 5, 2025, thirteen days following a stem cell transplant as he valiantly fought Primary Myelofibrosis, an aggressive and rare blood cancer. He knew the Lord and is now with our loving Father along with those who predeceased him whom he knew and loved. Philip was born November 21, 1957, in San Antonio, Texas. He attended Ms. Bishop's Kindergarten, Cambridge Elementary School and graduated from Alamo Heights High School. Philip had a lifelong passion for athletics, nutrition, fitness and all things water. Lettering in varsity swimming and water polo, he was selected All-State Second Team his senior year in water polo, as well as participated on the top team in the State of Texas in the Men's 400-Freestyle Relay. Philip excelled in all sports. He was an avid bird hunter and accomplished surfer who regularly enjoyed water polo, scuba diving, swimming, hunting, tennis, biking, weight-training, and fishing. Some of his fondest memories were made sharing a passion for fly-fishing redfish on the Texas Gulf Coast with his dad. He and lifelong friend, Bob Kingman, traveled extensively in pursuit of good surfing, beginning in high school with tropical storm and hurricane surf in Port Aransas, Texas and ultimately graduating to waves in Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador and his beloved coastline of Santa Barbara, California. His passion for the water and the outdoors was shared equally with his wife, Mary Stephanie and five-year-old son, Walker, who he began teaching to swim as an infant.

Philip graduated from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1979 where he was President of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He relished his annual trips to bodysurf and play beach volleyball with his fraternity brothers. He began his career as Land Manager of the Michigan District with Hunt Energy. As a petroleum landman, Philip served in leadership positions for Midstates Oil Company, Christico Petroleum Co, Ageron Energy Company, U.S. Enercorp Ltd., and San Miguel Resources, Inc. conducting transactions internationally and across numerous U.S. states. Over the course of his 40-year career in oil and gas, he held industry leadership positions including Past Director of the American Association of Professional Landmen, as well as Past President and Past Director of the San Antonio Association of Professional Landmen. Later in life, Philip managed Locke family businesses, farming, and investments.

Philip deeply cherished relationships and was an active participant in numerous social and philanthropic organizations in the San Antonio area. He was well known for his comradery and sense of humor among his many circles. He enjoyed driving a barge each Fiesta in the Texas Cavaliers River Parade with his brother, Stacy. In recent years, he took great pride in waving to his young son from the barge along the parade route.

Time spent in the Texas Hill Country was of great significance to him. He had a deep connection to the land and to the Frio River. Family traditions and childhood memories included fishing, turkey and deer hunting. Cocktails overlooking the river while watching for animals at sunset was one of his greatest joys.

Philip’s charming personality and easy smile captivated those of all ages. He was memorable not only for his genuine kindness, but also for his uniqueness. Philip loved a party or any social gathering, specifically following his daily disciplined gym workouts or his mile swims (always timed to compete with the last.) Weather changes and sunsets regularly impacted Philip’s plans; from where to gather for optimal viewing or where to experience a winter ‘norther’ blowing in.

He was truly considered a ‘best friend’ to so many. He not only loved his UCSB and high school friends, but he also had deep relationships with their children, often celebrating milestones as he watched them grow up. Philip’s love of life and the people in it was reflected by his friendships spanning every decade. Two of his greatest pleasures were taking the annual scuba diving and fly-fishing trips with his father and brothers, and joining their cousins, the Harveys, on fabulous family reunion adventures.

In 2010, Philip’s brother, Jack, introduced him to Mary Stephanie Peavy after several years of insisting the two meet. A whirlwind courtship began with trips to far flung places to enjoy hiking, biking, tennis, swimming, snow skiing and snow shoeing all while both balancing intense professional career demands. Their honeymoon in New Zealand, an intimate family wedding at Sea Island, and annual ski trips to Deer Valley were some of their fondest memories together. This work-hard play-hard lifestyle continued for many years until a beautiful, unexpected blessing of a child changed their life at “mature ages.” Together, they relished watching Walker grow and learn about the world around him. Some of Philip’s most recent proud moments included watching Walker skiing down runs and learning to ride his bike, events enjoyed on video from his hospital bed just days ago. In July, Philip, Mary Stephanie, Walker, and their dog, Bo, spent an extended respite in New Mexico for cool mountain air and hiking. It will always be remembered as one of the best vacations together and a true gift while Philip balanced the demands of his clinical trial schedule.

Philip was preceded in death by his parents, John Robinson Locke, Jr. and Betty Sue Stacy Locke and his nephew, John Robinson Locke IV. He is survived by his wife, Mary Stephanie Peavy Locke, son, Walker Robert Locke, and beloved family dog, Bo. He is also survived by his three brothers and their wives: Jack III and Carol, Carey and Heather of Corpus Christi, and Stacy and Aimee. Additional survivors include his nieces and nephews whom he adored: Grace, Stacy, Hannah and her partner Kat, Christian, Denys and his wife Rachel, Peyton, Parker, and Patience. Philip is also survived by his mother and father-in-law, Anna Rainey Peavy and Robert Peavy, sister and brother-in-law Margaret Peavy Thomann and Michael Thomann, and their children, Mary Margaret and Robert.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Paul Smith and the stem cell clinical transplant team at MD Anderson, Houston, Texas.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

3:00 P.M.

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

510 BELKNAP PLACE, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

The Reverend Scott Kitayama will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made in Philip’s honor to the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, 909 NE Loop 410, Suite 903, San Antonio, Texas, 78209, Christ Episcopal Church, or an animal charity of your choice.

You may go to here https://www.cecsa.org/live-stream to watch the livestreaming.