William Calvin Locke

William Calvin Locke, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed peacefully on March 27, 2025, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Born on January 10, 1937, in Madill, Oklahoma, William built a life defined by quiet strength, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

After graduating from Shawnee High School in Shawnee, Oklahoma, William began a remarkable 40-year career as a machinist at Sylvania, Western Electric (later Southwestern Bell, AT&T, and Lucent Technologies). His coworkers respected his meticulous precision, steadfast reliability, and relentless work ethic—qualities he imparted to his family as enduring life lessons.

In 1962, William was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era and proudly served until 1964, stationed in Germany. His military service instilled in him a profound sense of duty and pride, and later in life, he expressed a wish for a military funeral.

A lifelong devoted member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Shawnee, William exemplified faithfulness and community spirit. He further demonstrated his dedication by serving many years as a volunteer firefighter with the Bethel Acres Volunteer Fire Department.

Beyond his professional and community contributions, William was passionate about classic cars. His prized possessions—a meticulously maintained 1934 Ford (5-window coupe), acquired through an unforgettable journey to Idaho Falls, and his rare 1964½ fastback Mustang, factory-customized with air conditioning—were a testament to his love for automotive history and craftsmanship. These cars became vessels of family memories, from cross-country trips in search of elusive parts to quiet afternoons spent teaching the next generation.

William cherished traveling with his wife, Helen. Together, they explored beautiful countryside vistas, enjoyed countless road trips, and shared a mutual love for bowling. Their time together was filled with joy and companionship, creating many treasured memories. William also found joy in fishing trips and water-skiing outings, activities he shared warmly with other family members.

His proudest legacy remains his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Helen Locke; his son Calvin "Cal" Locke and wife Dee; his daughter Stephanie Walker and husband John; stepchildren Kathy McCoy, Mark McCoy (Debbie), Robert McCoy (Jonelle), Curtis Parker (Allie), and Dema Hansmeyer (Todd); grandchildren Callie, Dustin, Wes, Amber, Jarrett, Aaron, Adin, Gage, Zachary, Gracie, and Zeke; his brother, O.L. Locke; cousin Karen Fletcher, whose treasured stories enriched this memorial; and numerous extended family members and cherished friends.

William is preceded in death by his parents, Orvil and Effie Locke, sister Dorothy Locke Kinnaman, and Jo Ann Flesher, the mother of his children.

Those fortunate enough to know William remember him for his kindness, humility, gentle humor, and steady presence. Always the first to lend a helping hand or offer support in times of need, William also guided those around him with quiet wisdom, especially when loved ones found themselves in challenging situations—firmly, yet compassionately, helping them learn and grow. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of loyalty, generosity, and love. William Calvin Locke’s life was one deeply lived, warmly shared, and beautifully remembered.