Billy N. Lockhart

Billy was born in Mattoon, IL on April 5, 1931 to the late Carl W. Lockhart and Agnes I. Lockhart. His childhood was spent growing up out in the country, in the family home on Harmony Way. Childhood friends became lifelong friends, and the memories of those days stayed with him throughout his lifetime.

Billy was a proud graduate of F.J. Reitz HS Class of 1949. It was there he met his future wife Barbara Gay. Billy excelled in track while at Reitz and held the record for many years for the 100 yard dash. He would always tell people he ran it in 00:10 flat! Starting his senior year in HS, Billy followed his dad and would end up working his entire career for the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad.

He and Barbara were married in 1951 and in 1952 Billy would be drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He ended up spending 10 months in Korea where he worked on the trains. In 1954 he would return home as Sargent and would meet his first born daughter, Connie at 10 months old. Billy and Barbara would soon welcome daughters Judy and Marianne into their family.

Billy was an avid outdoorsman. Many of his cherished memories were of duck hunting with his dad on the Wabash River and fishing Lake Barkley with his best fishing buddies.

Billy was a faithful servant to our Lord Jesus Christ. He wasn’t afraid or ashamed to share his love for the Lord with strangers. Billy and Barbara were members of the Old Calvary Baptist Church for 25 years. Most recently, they attended Memorial Baptist Church. Billy never missed a Sunday at church until his health kept him at home.

Billy was preceded in death by his daughter, Connie Hansert; sister, Patricia Hedges; niece, Patti Lynn Haggard; and nephews, Christopher Johnson and Gregory Gay.

Billy is survived by his faithful wife of 72 years, Barbara; daughters, Judy and Marianne Lockhart; and their beloved Corgi, Rachel.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to both Park Terrace Village and Compassus Hospice. Both have gone above and beyond to make sure our loved one was treated with dignity, kindness and compassion. The attention to detail will be remembered for many years to come.

According to family wishes, there will be no service. Please feel free to make a donation to the charity of your choice in honor of Billy’s life.

A son, brother, husband and father. You were loved, your life mattered and you will be missed. Well done good and faithful servant. Rest in peace.

2 Timothy 4:6-7

…the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapelcom.